❤️ Welcome to Reef's Sea of Hearts ❤️
If you've followed Reef's journey over the past few years (and especially the past few weeks), THANK YOU. Thank you for every prayer, every message, every tear, and every celebration. Many of you have loved Reef since he was a tiny baby, and you've watched him grow into the fearless, funny little boy he is today. You walked beside our family through one of the hardest weeks of our lives, and because of decades of research, incredible surgeons, and advances in congenital heart care, we got to bring our sweet boy home after his Fontan surgery. We will never stop being grateful.
For those who may be newer to Reef's story, Reef was born with Hypoplastic Right Heart Syndrome with tricuspid atresia, meaning he was born with only half of a functional heart. The Fontan procedure he just underwent is the final planned surgery for children with hearts like his—but it isn't a cure. It reroutes his circulation so his one ventricle can do the work of two, giving us something every parent hopes for: more time with our boy. While today's Fontan outcomes are nothing short of remarkable, this circulation was never designed to last a lifetime. Over time, it can place stress on organs like the liver, and many Fontan patients will eventually need new treatments, mechanical support, or even heart transplantation. That's why research matters so much. The breakthroughs being funded today aren't just for children born tomorrow—they could change the future for REEF.
The Fontan gave us something priceless: more time with Reef. Our hope is that the research you help fund today will give him even more.
So once again, we're asking you to walk beside us—this time at the Congenital Heart Walk. Whether you donate, share our page, or simply walk beside us once again, you help write the next chapter of Reef's story—and the stories of thousands of other children living with congenital heart disease.
From the bottom of our hearts, thank you for believing in our little heart warrior. Thank you for believing in research, in hope, and in a future where children like Reef can live longer, healthier lives.
With hope, gratitude, and all our love,
Reef's Family
