Owen was diagnosed with a congenital heart defect known as Hypoplastic Left Heart Syndrome (HLHS). HLHS occurs when parts of the left side of the heart (mitral valve, left ventricle, aortic valve, and aorta) do not develop completely. The condition is present at birth (congenital) and requires a series of three reconstructive operations to repair.  When we first learned about Owen’s heart condition, we were told that the first few years of his life would be the hardest with three open heart surgeries, numerous checkup appointments, trips to the hospital due to common colds that most parents wouldn’t think twice about, and a million other things we had to worry about.  Now, looking back at those three years, they were in fact VERY hard.  When the time came for Owen’s second surgery, a wave of relief came over our family because we made it past the critical phase.  The feeling was bittersweet as it seemed like we were basically celebrating that milestone with his second open heart surgery, but we knew that was the next step, it was part of the plan.  We knew that when Owen was two and a half years old we would have his third, and final (hopefully), open heart surgery.  We knew he would be closely monitored and though we had some rough times after this final surgery, we knew we were so blessed and lucky that Owen was the amazing “warrior” that he is.  He knocked each surgery out of the park and he always shocked everyone with how brave he was during that period and continues to be now.  Now that he’s had this third and final surgery, there’s no next step aside from follow-up cardiology appointments every four to six months and continuing his medication and to me that’s the scariest part of this whole “being a mom with a child who has a heart defect”.  Even though it was hectic going to all those doctor appointments, we always got a sense of reassurance from the doctors that everything was working as it should be and that Owen was where he needed to be.  But now what?  What’s next? I feel as if my sense of security has been ripped from me.  Surgery didn’t “fix” his heart because there is no cure for HLHS.  Now it’s just a “wait and see game” and at any moment something could go wrong, even though we hope for the best.  I’m not saying I plan to live the rest of my life in fear, but as a mom of a child with a heart defect, there will always be that part of me that will worry that his condition will resurface at any moment and cause issues that not even the doctors will have all of the answers to.    It is my hope that someday, soon, parents such as myself won’t have to worry…at least not as much. That’s where all of you come in… Nearly two million children and adults are living with a congenital heart defect (CHD) in the United States. Each year approximately 40,000 babies are born with a CHD, making it the country’s #1 birth defect. At least 10% of all congenital heart defects are first found in adulthood. Thanks to increases in survival rates, the number of adults living with a CHD rises by 5% a year and adults with CHDs are living longer, fuller lives than ever before. The Congenital Heart Walk is a national fundraising event series benefitting the Adult Congenital Heart Association (ACHA) and The Children’s Heart Foundation (CHF). We walk to honor and remember the millions who have been impacted by congenital heart disease (CHD). The Congenital Heart Walk shows the nation how a team of inspired individuals can join together to make a difference. Funds raised will support the missions of both national nonprofit organizations who are uniting to fight CHD! Since 2010, CHW has raised more than $4 million in total.  The financial donations and support of all kinds from family and friends, such as you, will continue to bolster and increase our progress in the fight against CHD.