This October, I am running in the Chicago Marathon as a first-timer. I am happy to help fundraise for my softball teammate and friend Brian Nowakowski (BNO) on behalf of his son Bryce, who is tied to The Children’s Heart Foundation (Illinois Chapter). The Children's Heart Foundation (CHF) mission is to fund the most promising research to advance the diagnosis, treatment and prevention of congenital heart defects.

Bryce was born with a congenital heart defect called Hypoplastic Left Heart Syndrome, when only half of the heart fully develops and functions. He underwent two of the three surgeries to “fix” the developed portion of his heart. However, in 2014 he developed a clot so large that it blocked the remaining healthy portion of his heart and was in such distress that he was put into a medically induced coma while he waited for a heart transplant. During the months of waiting, Bryce saw many challenges – he was intubated, on ECMO, had several strokes, many resuscitations, and became septic. He was so sick that one day the doctors told his parents that it was the last day they would see him alive. And after they unhooked him from life support, Bryce somehow pulled through.

He went on to wait a few more months for his heart transplant, receiving it on July 30th, 2014. From that point he’s been receiving multiple therapies a week, but has been growing into a strong, determined little boy. He absolutely loves school and is currently in 4th grade. He is non-verbal but uses a communication device to share his thoughts. And although he will still have many challenges ahead, including another heart transplant in his teens, he is respectful, helpful, happy and kind, and greets us at our softball games with a smile and a high-five.

I am happy to support Bryce, his family, and the Children's Heart Foundation

More information about The Children's Heart Foundation: The mission of The Children's Heart Foundation (CHF) is to fund the most promising research to advance the diagnosis, treatment and prevention of congenital heart defects.

https://www.childrensheartfoundation.org/illinois/home.html