Hi, and welcome to Jesse’s fundraising page!

This fundraiser is incredibly important to our family, and we are forever grateful for the research that has improved both the diagnosis and prognosis of congenital heart disease in children.

For those who may not be familiar with Jesse’s story, here is a brief history of his journey:

Jesse’s heart condition went unnoticed until he was three weeks old. He passed all his newborn screenings at the hospital and his early doctor’s appointments without a diagnosis. At three weeks, we trusted our instincts and took Jesse to the pediatrician for what we thought would be a routine sick visit. The pediatrician, recognizing something was wrong, referred us to a cardiologist and urged us to be seen within days. Looking back, all the signs were there—Jesse was in heart failure.

In the days that followed, Jesse was diagnosed with a large ventricular septal defect (VSD) and a small atrial septal defect (ASD). We were initially told that surgery would be necessary, ideally when he was at least six months old. But life had different plans. Just two days after his diagnosis, Jesse contracted RSV. Three days later, he was hospitalized. He spent the next three weeks in the ICU, battling RSV while already in heart failure. His weight dropped below his birth weight, and he required a feeding tube. Ultimately, his heart was failing, and surgery could not wait.

Jesse underwent open-heart surgery just 28 days after being diagnosed. His VSD was 14mm—much larger than anyone had anticipated. We are endlessly grateful for the research and advancements in medical technology that made his surgery possible. Jesse was born at a time when treatment options allowed him not only to survive but to thrive. Although Jesse will be routinely seen by his cardiologist he will be able to live without limits. 

For those who know Jesse, you know he carries a permanent smile on his face. Jesse, we are so proud of you and that beautiful scar of yours—a testament to your strength and the love that continues to surround you.

Every 15 minutes in the United States, a baby is born with a congenital heart defect, making CHDs the most common birth defect in our country. The Congenital Heart Walk is dedicated to making a difference. Our mission is clear - we aim to raise funds to support The Children's Heart Foundation in its quest to advance the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of CHDs by funding groundbreaking research.

We invite you to join us in this mission. By supporting our team or even walking with us, you're contributing to research that can save and enhance the lives of infants born with CHDs, as well as children and adults living with these conditions. Your support makes a significant impact, and for that, we want to say a heartfelt thank you.

Will you join us in making a real difference? Please consider supporting our team or walking with us. Every step we take brings us closer to improving the lives of those affected by congenital heart defects.