Team Bean

Ben “the Bean” was diagnosed with a small hole in his heart in utero.  Three days after being born prematurely, he was rushed to The Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia with a ventricular septal defect, a heart murmur and a coarctation of the aorta.  CHOP sent a transport van with a cardiac team to pick Ben up at his birth hospital.  Thank God they did because the CHOP nurse was the one to insure Ben got the proper shot to keep his heart beating long enough to get him to the cardio thoracic team at CHOP.  Ben had an urgent repair done at 4 days old.  They saved his life.  The van, I later came to learn was paid for by the funds raised by Big Hearts to Little Hearts.  If it hadn’t been for that Nurse brought to our local hospital from CHOP, Ben would not be here today.

At 6 weeks old, Ben had open heart surgery to remove a section of his aorta, splice the top of the arch and patch it.   It was a big deal.  I knew he was in the best hands from the moment I handed my baby to that very tall surgeon, Dr. Spray just outside the OR until he was placed right back in my arms hours and hours and hours later.   Ben has since been followed closely by Dr. Rychik and the cardiology team at CHOP with cardiac MRIs, tests and checkups every few weeks, then months and now annually.

Just three days ago at age 14, Ben had his annual echocardiogram, ekg, and checkup.  Because he is now running track, playing baseball and basketball, surfing, biking, hiking and golfing, they did an exercise stress test as well.  Upon reviewing the results, Dr. Rychik informed Ben that he has the heart function of a professional athlete and he could not be happier with his performance.  The Bean is a lean, mean teen machine who loves God, his family and friends to a fault.  He is kind and genuine, smart and funny, confident and faithful.  He loves to read, pray, sing, dance and create.  He is an honor roll student and is active in Boy Scouts.  I could not be more grateful that he is my Son and that he is healthy.  I am honored and Blessed to be the Bean’s Mommy.

If you could donate any amount to support our team for this fundraiser, I promise you it is going to help BHLH and CHOP continue to thrive in saving babies with Congenital heart defects.  Even better, if you are able to register to walk with us virtually or in person on September 18th, we would love to see you there.

Thank you CHOP.  Thank you Big hearts to Little Hearts.  Thank you God.  Thank you to all who have donated past and present.