Team Adam-Heart Hero

Adam was born October 19, 2014 and after birth he was blue and initially not breathing. He was immediately evaluated and the decision was made to send him by ambulance to The University of Florida/Shands Hospital. After being admitted to the neonatal ICU and more testing was done he was diagnosed with a severe congenital heart defect, Tricuspid Atresia. Essentially, he has half a heart. He had his first open heart surgery at 14 weeks old at the University of Florida, Shands Hospital in Gainesville, FL. He recovered from that surgery but his heart function has remained low and always a cause for concern. Last summer his team at UF/Shands Hospital determined that due to the fact that Adam’s heart function was low that he was not a candidate for the second surgery but that his only option at that point would be a heart transplant. Adam’s parents Craig and Sarah fully trust Adam's team at UF but wanted a second opinion from Boston Children’s Hospital, ranked #1 in pediatric cardiology. They confidently determined Adam is a candidate for the second open heart surgery, the Fontan.

Adam will be accompanied by his family during the trip- his dad and mom, Craig and Sarah, as well as his 6 yr old brother Carson and 4 yr old sister Grace. The family will be in the Boston area for about a month due to the type and intensity of surgery. The total recovery time is 12 weeks. During this time Craig and Sarah will be on leave from work caring for Adam. Allowing his body to fully recover and avoid exposure to germs will be critical.

In addition to the typical household expenses, this precious family will have some big costs for this trip to Boston, medical bills, respite and being on leave from work. We are trying to alleviate some of the stress that will come during this time so that they can fully be with Adam. It’s for that reason that we are asking for any support that you can give, no amount is too small. If you are unable to give monetarily, we kindly ask you to please keep Adam and his family in your prayers.

We appreciate it so much and thanks for supporting this very special and brave little boy and  although Adam has had these health challenges, he is a happy and energetic 2 year old boy who loves Mickey Mouse, ice cream and playing outside. "He is our Hero!!

Adam’s entire family of Great Grandparents, Grandparents, Aunts, Uncles and Cousins have started this page to help Adam and his family to offset costs before, during and after his upcoming open heart surgery at Boston Children’s Hospital in June.

Team Adam members: McDade, McPherson, Runk, Anzell, Oliver, Shooks, Kusmack and DeHoog Families!

View this video to see how Adam's heart works.


Carson, Grace, Adam and Mickey Mouse!