Dear You

Dear you...,

If you are reading this email or post, you are already unknowingly part of the story. On May 30, 2015, I lost my son Hudson to a congenital heart defect called Hypoplastic Left Heart Syndrome. After his passing, I asked my creator to “expand my influence and carry on his legacy.” This is where YOU come in. Each year on Hudson's birthday, June 25th, I along with others all across the world do random acts of kindness in his memory expecting nothing in return.  We give them one of the attached cards as part of Hudson’s Day of Kindness to tell a little more about his story. Do something Big! Bless someone else and you will find that in that moment .....you are also receiving a blessing. That blessing is in Heaven with my Hudson. Print out the cards now and start thinking of how YOU are going to spread kindness to those around you.  Share this with someone else in your life that needs it.

Thank you for reading and Godspeed,

Jamey 

The Father of Hudson

Hudson's Day of Kindness Cards

Hudson's Day of Kindness 2018

Every year on June 25th for Hudson’s birthday we ask our family and friends to perform random acts of kindness in his memory.  My husband and I like to do several different things, but our passion is definitely for other children with congenital heart defects (CHDs).  A few months ago during CHD Awareness week, one of our Facebook friends reposted something from a mother that had a child with a critical CHD.  Any post about a heart kid always catches my attention, but this one was different.  It was posted on my birthday and it was about their 2 year old son also named Hudson that had the same congenital heart defect called Hypoplastic Left Heart Syndrome that our son had.  They had just found out that their son was not a candidate for the 3rd open heart surgery that he desperately needed to survive.  Their post wasn’t asking for anything other than to help raise awareness for the #1 birth defect in the United States and a serial killer that leads to the death of more children each year than all forms of pediatric cancer combined.  Statistics are important, but behind these statistics are sweet babies, children, and adults fighting to live a full life with a congenital heart defect.

The more I read about their son Hudson, the more I felt the Lord leading us to do something really special for this family.  Before our son passed away we had been planning to take him to Walt Disney World.  Unfortunately we never got to take our Hudson on that trip, but I knew that was the exact thing we were supposed to do for this family.  Their family had never had the opportunity to take their son on a vacation due to his health challenges so this year for Hudson’s Day of Kindness, we sent this sweet Hudson and his parents to Walt Disney World for a magical family vacation.  Due to the time sensitive nature we were unable to wait until the exact day of Hudson’s Day of Kindness, but I knew that nothing would be more perfect than this and our sweet boy would be so excited to do something for this other very special Hudson.  While they were in Orlando, my husband, Hudson’s baby sister, and I had the opportunity to meet this family.  It was such an overwhelming, special moment for us that I will never forget.

I believe that it was divine intervention that we stumbled upon this family from Texas that were complete strangers with another amazing son named Hudson that was also born with a broken heart.  It brings so much joy to us to know that God is still using our son’s life to make a difference in this world.  As long as I am living, I will make sure my son’s memory is never forgotten.  Even though our Hudson is no longer here on Earth with us, I know that he is in Heaven and is more alive than he ever was here.  Thank you Jesus for letting my goodbye only be temporary until I will hold Hudson in my arms again for all of eternity.

If you feel led, please honor our son’s memory this year on Monday, June 25th by performing random acts of kindness.  There are so many people hurting in this world, and a little kindness goes a long way.  I have attached a card that tells a little about Hudson that you can hand out while performing acts of kindness.  Also if you would like to learn more about the incredible family that we had the opportunity to meet, their Facebook page is Heart Full of Hudson.

Hudson's Day of Kindness Cards

Happy Birthday in Heaven

If this is your first time visiting our blog, thank you for stopping by.  We started this blog as a way to share the story of our son Hudson who was born with a complex congenital heart defect called Hypoplastic Left Heart Syndrome.  When I was pregnant, we found out at our anatomy scan that our son would be born with half of a heart and would require multiple open heart surgeries or possibly a heart transplant just to survive.  We didn't know what the future would hold, but we believed that God had a purpose for our son.  After 23 amazing months with our son here on Earth, Hudson's life was unexpectedly cut short due to a complication from his heart defect.  Even though Hudson was born with half of a heart, he lived an incredible life.  Our son was an amazing little boy who completely changed our world for the better.  Hudson was smart, beautiful, and a joy to know.  Even though we wish he was here, we know that one day we will be reunited with him again in Heaven.  Today for Hudson's 4th birthday, we have asked friends and family to perform random acts of kindness to keep his memory alive.  We hope that Hudson's Day of Kindness will bring some much needed joy and kindness into this broken world.

Happy Birthday Hudson!  We love you forever!

Psalm 73:26 "My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever."

Hudson's Day of Kindness

We would love for you to help us celebrate Hudson's birthday this year by participating in our annual Hudson's Day of Kindness this Sunday, June 25th.  Hudson would be 4 years old on Sunday, and I know he will be celebrating in Heaven.  Please join with us in remembering our sweet boy and bringing some kindness to this Earth.  I have attached the link to the Hudson's Day of Kindness cards to be passed out while performing a random act of kindness in his memory.  Thank you in advance for helping keep our son's memory alive!

Hudson's Day of Kindness Cards (front & back)

Feel free to share your random act of kindness by commenting on the blog or on Facebook.

What Grief Looks Like Two Years Later

Every person’s journey through grief is unique.  Two years after losing my sweet baby boy Hudson this is where I am in my grief.  Gone are those days where it physically hurt to breathe and I literally could not remember what I was doing from one moment to the next.  The cloud of shock and disbelief have lifted, but what remains is an intense sadness and heart that is still broken from missing Hudson more than words can describe.  After his death, I remember the grief counselor telling us that it does get better.  At this point I can say some things are better, and others are not.  A piece of me died that day too and I know that I am forever changed.  I’ve become much more introverted and I feel like I am living a life that very few can understand.  Grief can be extremely isolating and it’s easy to want to pull away from everyone.

There is some beauty that comes from grief as well.  I have never felt more loved from Jesus than I did in the days and months following Hudson’s death.  He carried me through the darkest days of my life when I wasn't even sure I would be able to live through this heartbreak.  Jesus and his promise of eternity are what get me through even today.  I am also so thankful for the support from our friends and family.  I have some pretty amazing friends that continue to reach out to me over and over again even though many times their messages and calls go unanswered.  They love me in spite of the fact that I’m really not much of a good friend these days because sometimes I’m just trying to survive my new reality.  Our family are so incredible at letting us know how much they continue to think about Hudson and keep his sweet memory alive.  We have people that we have never even met that have prayed for us and for our son.  People continue to participate in Hudson’s Day of Kindness, which is coming up on his birthday, June 25th to honor his memory and bring some kindness to a very broken world.  Even though life has dealt us a devastating hand, I know that beauty can come from ashes.

I take solace in knowing that Hudson is in Heaven, he is happy and his heart is healed forever and one day we will be reunited for eternity.   Jesus healed Hudson’s heart and I believe that he is working to heal mine.  He is picking up all of the broken pieces and mending them together to make something new.  Living on Earth without my child is unbelievably difficult, but I am putting my trust in Jesus even when I don’t understand this life.  He is still good and he is still the King of the world.  Lord, I trust you and I know you see my hurting heart even when I feel alone.  You love me and you love Hudson, and not even death can separate us from your everlasting love.

John 14: 2-3 “My Father’s house has many rooms; if this were not true, would I have told you that I am going to prepare a place for you.  And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am.”

Matthew 5:4 “Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted.”

Choosing Triumph Over Tragedy

If this is your first time reading this blog, I hope it is because someone passed along some kindness to you in memory of my son Hudson.  Today is Hudson’s birthday and he would have been 3 years old.  Hudson’s story started quite some time ago.  After years of infertility we finally got pregnant with our incredible son.  At 20 weeks pregnant, I found out my son had a congenital heart defect called Hypoplastic Left Heart Syndrome (HLHS) which means he would be born with only half of a functioning heart.  At the time it was very difficult to explain the situation repeatedly, so my husband and I decided to start this blog to keep family and friends updated on Hudson’s life.  We weren’t sure if we would ever bring our son home from the hospital or what his future would hold, but we knew that God would be triumphant in his life regardless, and so we called the blog Choosing Triumph Over Tragedy.

Fast forward several months and our son not only survived his first 2 open-heart surgeries, but he thrived.  This incredible little boy was full of life; always smiling, constantly on the move, and never letting his circumstances define him.  Hudson loved animals, trains, reading, and nonstop playing.  Hudson was beautiful inside and out and he brought so much joy to our lives.

After 23 amazing months, Hudson’s life was unexpectedly cut short due to a complication from his heart defect.  I know my son is in Heaven and that one day we will be together again.  In this broken world it's easy to lose hope, but if you are reading this I think Hudson would want you to know how much Jesus loves you.  There is nothing that will ever cause him to stop loving or relentlessly pursuing you.  There is no pit in life that God’s love is not deeper.  As much as I love my son, I know that he is in the arms of the only one that could love him more than me.

Happy Birthday Hudson!  We love you forever!

Why I Hope You Never Stop Saying His Name

Maybe one of the most precious gifts you can give a bereaved parent is to say their child’s name.  When a loved one passes away, there is initially such a huge outpouring of support.  Understandably as time goes on, people go back to their normal lives.  We however will never be able to go back to our old normal again.  Life will never be the same and a big piece of our hearts died that day too.  When Hudson passed away, I had this intense desire to keep his memory alive.  One of my biggest fears was that people would forget about this incredible little boy that changed my life forever.  Probably many people feel this way after losing a loved one, but I can’t help but think the feeling is amplified when it is a child.  Hudson didn’t have a lifetime to make memories and form relationships; he had 23 months.

Death is an uncomfortable topic and people always wonder what to say and what not to, and many times just choose to not say anything.  I understand and probably used to do the same thing.  Now on the other side I can say my heart beams when someone mentions Hudson.  I might tear up when you talk about him, but it is only because I miss so much and not because you made me upset.  He is always on my mind whether you say anything or not.  Please don’t feel bad if I cry when you talk about him because I am so glad that you did.  It reminds me that we are not the only ones that loved Hudson and miss him.  You see I may cry when you talk about him, but it breaks my heart when you don’t.

When I hear you say his name or share a story about Hudson it gives me so much joy.  A couple of months after Hudson passed, one of my friends sent me some pictures of Hudson at her daughter’s birthday party.  What a treasure!  I was unable to go to the party because of work so my husband had taken him.  She gave me the gift of a new memory of my son that day and I couldn’t be more grateful.  It is also so wonderful when people share a special memory they have of Hudson or even say they think of him.

Hudson’s 3^rd birthday is coming up and we would like to ask you to participate in the second annual Hudson’s Day of Kindness on June 25^th.  Please help us keep our son’s memory alive by performing a random act of kindness on his birthday.  I have attached a PDF that has cards that tell a little about Hudson and can be printed and passed out while performing an act of kindness.  Thank you in advance for participating!

Link to Hudson's Day of Kindness Cards:

https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B4mfAlWPs28TS1FOU19yVS1LTFU/view?usp=sharing

Please remember Hudson and please never stop saying his name.

Hudson's Heavenly Birthday

Today marks a year since our son Hudson arrived in Heaven.  Though God has gotten us through the year and blessed us more than we deserve. I still just want to be close to him. Brittain and I have gone to Jungfraujoch Switzerland which is one of the highest peaks in the Swiss Alps to spend this day as close to him as possible. What should be the most beautiful view imaginable looking out to all that God created, is not.  It is cold, snowing, covered in a fog of clouds. Almost fitting. However, I find PEACE. I know that the same God that created this mountain under my feet is cradling my son in his arms. His view is much better. There are no clouds, there is no pain or sadness, and this year has been but a vapor.  Remember Hudson and our family today and give an especially big hug to your own. We miss him so!

Faces of CHD - Meagan & Sadie

February 14th is not just for Valentine's Day, it is also National Donor Day.  National Donor Day is a time to focus on all types of organ donation, as well as to recognize loved ones that have have given the gift of life through organ donation, have received a donor organ, and are waiting for or passed away waiting for a donation.  The need for heart transplant is always a possibility for people affected by congenital heart defects. 

Thankfully significant advancements in CHD research have occurred over the past several decades.  The number of adults living with congenital heart defects is increasing due to improvements in survival.  It is now believed that the number of adults living with CHDs is possibly higher than the number of children living with congenital heart defects.  

Heart Hero - Meagan

I was born with HLHS, TA and VSD in 1990.  My parents had no idea what to expect.  The doctor told my parents they had two choices:  1. Take me home and let me die on my own or 2. Try three experimental surgeries.  They decided on the surgeries and I am thankful they did.  I am now 26 years old, living life to the fullest.  I am currently living in Florida working as a preschool teacher and working on my Masters.  I honestly don't remember being in the hospital.  All I really remember is the stories I was told by my parents and the photos I've seen.  I was very shy and didn't really get to know others and thought I was very different than other kids my age.  I was ashamed of my scar for the longest time, but not anymore!  I had feeding tubes which hit my vocal cords and changed my voice a little so I was constantly asked "What's wrong with your voice?" or "Are you sick?" and I usually respond with no or I tell them I had three heart surgeries.  It's hard at times, but now I just want people to understand.  I was scared of what people thought of me, but now I am happy that I am who I am.  My CHD doesn't define me, it's just a part of my life.

Heart Hero Sadie

Born in 1997 with Hypoplastic Left Heart Syndrome, Sadie had her first open-heart surgery at 9 months old.  Later at 9 years old she needed another surgery to repair her heart.  In between those two surgeries, and after her second surgery, Sadie lived a normal life.  After graduating high school, Sadie moved to New York to pursue her passion as an actress.  While studying acting at the Lee Strasberg Institute of Film and Theatre, she began experiencing symptoms of heart failure.  After returning to Children's of Alabama, Sadie ended up on the heart transplant list.  Within several months, Sadie was matched to a heart donor and received her gift of life.  Sadie is currently doing well and is continuing to pursue her dream of acting.

Faces of CHD - Jase & Hudson

One thing that I believe most people affected by CHD's would like other people to know is that there is no cure for severe congenital heart defects.  The surgeries are not a fix and people born with a CHD will face a lifetime of cardiologist appointments, medications, heart caths, possibly additional surgeries/transplant, etc.  People with CHD's face increased risk of health problems such as issues with growth and eating, developmental delays, difficulty with exercise, heart rhythm problems, heart failure, sudden cardiac arrest or stroke.  The medical advancements in managing complex congenital heart defects are significantly better than they were just a few decades ago, and hopefully will continue to improve daily.  There is a long way to go, but I believe together we can one day find a cure for CHDs.

Heart Hero Jase 

Jase was born on August 22, 2013 with Hypoplastic Left Heart Syndrome.  Unlike many people that find out in weeks eighteen to twenty-two of pregnancy, we found out during discharge three days after Jase was born.  His oxygen levels dropped after circumcision and he never recovered.  The rush of becoming a parent and being on that high after his birth was met with something that no parent is prepared for, the reality of your three day old's mortality.  Fast forward through a Norwood with a late night six revisions, four days on ECMO, a week with an open sternum, two heart catheters, a Bi-Directional Glenn, and two and a half years later, Jase is doing great.

He loves anything to do with fish, cars, and Rocket from Little Einsteins.  He runs around (albeit he turns blue when he does causing everyone other than his parents to panic, but he doesn't seem to mind), swims, flies everything that might possibly be an airplane, and wrecks everything that might possibly be a car.

Looking back over the past two and a half years there are two things that stand out.  The first is that God will always give you the strength and comfort to face whatever comes.  That might be in the form of people who are going through the same things you are; doctors, nurses, or friends that you haven't seen in years.  The second is that when you see your child's heart beating through what seem like yellow Reynold's wrap, you don't take for granted how awesome getting up at 3:00 AM to watch the VeggieTales can be.

Heart Hero Hudson

At 20 weeks pregnant we heard the words no parent ever expects to hear.  There is something wrong with your child's heart.  It's hard to even explain how much my life changed that day.  After hearing numerous scary terms I had never heard before, it was finally determined that Hudson had Critical Aortic Stenosis that would ultimately progress into Hypoplastic Left Heart Syndrome as well as Pulmonary Artery Stenosis.  We were given four options:  a 3-stage palliative surgical repair, wait for a possible heart transplant at another cardiac center (our local children's hospital doesn't start off with transplant), comfort care after birth until Hudson passed away, or an abortion.  We definitely wanted to give Hudson the best chance at living a great life, and after talking with our cardiologist and learning about people in their 20's and even early 30's with HLHS, we decided to move forward with the 3-stage repair.  The Norwood surgery (the first surgery of the repair) was not invented until the early 1980's so there are no living survivors of HLHS older than early 30's.

Even though he was born full term, like many CHD babies Hudson was pretty small at birth.  Hudson had his first open-heart surgery, the Norwood, at just 2 days old.  It was very touch and go after that surgery and we almost lost Hudson several times.  Thankfully after a month in the hospital we were finally able to go home on oxygen.  At 3 months old Hudson had his second open-heart surgery, the Glenn.  It seemed to go well at first and we were discharged within a week.  However a few days later we were back due to a surgical complication called a chylothorax.  Hudson struggled with this complication, and we were in and out of the hospital for months.  Finally on Valentine's Day 2014 at our cardiologist appointment we got the great news that the chylothorax was completely resolved.

After that, we tried to transition into normal family life and focus on the future.  Hudson was growing and thriving.  We celebrated small victories like they were the biggest things in the world, because to us every victory felt like a miracle.  I remember for Hudson's 1st birthday I went crazy because I was just so thankful that he had made it to 1 year because there were times that we never thought we would see that day.  Hudson was an incredible little boy...smart,funny, loving, beautiful inside and out.  Looking into his eyes felt like you were looking into his soul.  He was our world and we loved him more than I thought was even capable.  On May 30, 2015 our lives were crushed when Hudson suddenly passed away from a cardiac arrhythmia.  The only thing that has gotten me through the days since his death is knowing that one day we will be together again in Heaven.  Hudson was much more than his congenital heart defect, but unfortunately that is what cut his life here on Earth short.  My husband and I are passionate about raising funding and awareness about CHDs so that hopefully one day no family will ever have to go through what we have.

Faces of CHD - Jackson & Jeremiah

Although congenital heart defects are the #1 birth defect worldwide and the leading cause of infant deaths in the US, CHD research is grossly underfunded despite its prevalence. The best way to ensure that money you give will be going specifically to CHD research and supporting families is to donate to organizations that are entirely devoted to fighting CHDs.  The Children's Heart Foundation, Mended Little Hearts, Adult Congenital Heart Association, Sisters By Heart, cardiac units at local children's hospitals, etc. are excellent organizations that support the CHD community and exclusively fund research related to congenital heart defects.  Research is so important because it is the only way that improvements will continue to be made for children and adults affected by a congenital heart defect.  

Heart Hero Jackson

This is Jackson.  He is almost 3 years old and he was born with Hypoplastic Left Heart Syndrome (HLHS).  His heart defect was detected 2 days after birth after becoming very sick and almost losing his life.  His first surgery, the Norwood, was performed at 7 days old.  The second surgery, the Glenn, was performed at 4 months old.  The third stage of the scheduled surgeries, the Fontan, will be performed this summer at 3 years old.  Jackson is a true blessing and I cannot imagine life without him.  Honestly I don't remember life before him.  Being my first child, I was extremely excited to bring him into the world.  I would have never imagined that this would happen.  Before I could even get used to the fact of being a mother, it was almost taken away from me.  I'm thankful to God that he chose me to be Jackson's mother.  He is a joy to be around and the sweetest baby boy.  There are no words for the love I have for him.

Heart Hero Jeremiah

It all started with our 20 week ultrasound; that is the day we learned that our little boy had a heart defect.  We were told that he had a condition known as Hypoplastic Left Heart Syndrome (HLHS).  We had no family history of congenital heart defects.

Jeremiah James Burford was born April 8th 2015.  The first time I looked at his sweet face it was through the clear walls of an isolate transporter.  He looked great and at 8 lbs and 10 oz, super chunky.  That extra birth weight would help him for his first surgery at just 6 days old.  The Norwood went well.  Jeremiah did have setbacks during his recovery at Children's.  His lungs collapsed 3 different times and he struggled with feedings.  We were discharged 6 weeks after surgery.  Once we were home we had several set backs with feeding that put us in the CVICU just 6 days later.  We worked on feedings and were re-released almost 3 weeks later.  Feeding and rates and pumps and bags and the Nutritionist...my head spins thinking about just how crazy it all made me.  Somehow in the middle of all the feeding issues he was still climbing up the growth chart.

By July he was 3 and 1/2 months old and we were heading in for a heart cath.  While in for that procedure we were told that Jeremiah would have his Glenn open heart surgery in a week.  My husband and I were in shock.  Jeremiah needed it and so we pushed forward.  The recovery for the Glenn was just as scary.  We discovered that Jeremiah had a condition called broncomalacia, which explained his multiple lung collapses with the Norwood and also with the Glenn.  We finally came home for good 5 weeks later.


We were told at his last appointment that he looked great.  We anticipate the final open heart surgery to be around 3 years of age.  We may have it sooner than that.  What I have learned while going through this is that there are no textbook answers.  Each child is different, and Jeremiah loves to surprise us.  We still have issues with food.  He is just now finishing jars of baby food, but I will take it!  My 10 month old boy is my hero. he is beautiful and funny and a complete miracle.    People ask me if this has changed me.  How can you not be a totally different person after this?  I am changed forever.  Loving a heart baby is a powerful, life-changing kind of love.

Faces of CHD - Jack & Talia

Many congenital heart defects remain undiagnosed until after the baby is born.  With critical heart defects this can be deadly because these babies need immediate medical support and will require open heart surgery within a few days after birth.  A simple non-invasive test called pulse oximetry can be done after birth to determine if your baby is affected by a CHD.  Pulse oximetry measures the amount of oxygen in the blood.  Currently many states do not require mandatory pulse oximetry testing on newborns.  Symptoms of a possible heart defect in a newborn include:  bluish skin/extremities, heavy/labored breathing, trouble nursing and breathing at the same time, abnormal heart rate, failure to thrive.  

Heart Hero Jack

Jack Cruz Kramer was born on 11 March 2014 with a surprise diagnosis of Hypoplastic Left Heart Syndrome.  I had many ultrasounds while pregnant, but his heart defect wasn't detected until birth.  It was apparent the minute he was born that something wasn't right.  Low oxygen saturations and a heart murmur called for an echocardiogram, and within 24 hours Jack was flown via jet to a pediatric cardiovascular unit in Birmingham, Alabama.  There, he was stabilized and our worlds were shattered with the news of his heart condition.  He underwent his first open heart surgery, the Norwood, at one week old.  He had a rough recovery, including having to be reintubated several times due to a paralyzed diaphragm.  We finally took Jack home for the first time at two months old.  After just two weeks, we rushed back to the hospital due to low oxygen saturations.  Jack was then flown to Boston Children's Hospital and underwent an emergency cardiac catheterization.  Jack then had his second cardiac cath and then second open heart surgery, the Glenn, at five months old.  At nine months old, he had his third cardiac cath to ensure his heart was functioning well and thankfully it was deemed a "happy hypoplast heart!"  Jack's next procedure will be another cath and then open heart surgery, the Fontan, this summer in Boston.

Looking at Jack, you'd have no idea anything is wrong with him.  He may be a bit small due to his half-heart burning so many calories, but he's just like any other kid his age.  He loves to be outdoors and go on adventures.  He enjoys swimming, playing with balls and cars, and reading.  He's a very social little guy with a lot of friends.  he's already lived in three states and visited 26 states.  He's proving that nothing can hold him back from an amazing life.

You can stay up to date on Jack's story on his Facebook page:  https://www.facebook.com/groups/babyjack/

Heart Hero Talia

Talia was born on March 10, 2013 with the CHD Double Outlet Right Ventricle, Mitral Valve Atresia, and Pulmonary Stenosis.  Within five hours of being born, she stopped breathing and required intubation.  I knew of her defect before her birth, but it did not prepare me for what would be the hardest year of my life.  The combination of these three defects led us to have three open heart surgeries, one of which was emergent, a Gastric tube placed, and combination of almost 6+ months in the hospital.  She was born with a cleft lip, which could not be repaired until she was a year old due to her heart complications.  Our little angel is such a warrior, having been through so much pain and suffering in such a short period of time.  Today she is a bright, strong and happy little girl.  Our life doesn't come without its struggles, but Talia inspires me every day to better myself as both a mother and an individual, because we know our days are precious and a gift from God.  We still have a long road ahead of us, with the upcoming fourth open heart and some cleft lip repair, but are optimistic about the road ahead and happy to have the hard part behind us.

Faces of CHD - Aiden & Landon

There are more than 40 different types of congenital heart defects.  Most causes of CHDs are unknown.  Only 15-20% of all CHDs are related to known genetic causes.  Congenital heart defects develop in the first few weeks of pregnancy, typically before the woman even knows she is pregnant.

Heart Hero Aiden

Aiden Clint Jeffus was born September 24, 2012 with Hypoplastic Left Heart Syndrome.  He was born at the University of Mississippi Medical Center in Jackson, MS.  He had his first of three open heart surgeries when he was eight days old (Norwood).  At six months old, he had his second open heart surgery (Glenn).  Currently we are preparing for his last of the three surgeries this summer.

You will never meet more of a people person than Aiden.  He never meets a stranger and has a personality that lights up a room.  Aiden loves all things Toy Story and Avengers, and Captain America is his favorite.  Like any other little boy, Aiden enjoys being outside and riding on his tractor.

Heart Hero Landon

Landon is my nephew.  He changed my life in 5 short weeks.  Landon was born premature at just 24 weeks.  A few days after birth he was diagnosed with several heart defects with the worst being a severe aortic stenosis which would eventually lead to Hypoplastic Left Heart Syndrome.  Landon's parents are two of the strongest people I know.  Matt, my brother, and his wife Katie never faltered.  I remember one of Landon's charge nurses remarking about Landon's feisty spirit - she said that she felt he would have many more good days than bad ones while he was at UAB and she was right.  Landon was the spitting image of his daddy.  He loved to suck on his fingers and he enjoyed his mother's voice.  He now has a perfect heart and is resting at the feet of Jesus.  I am so thankful that God gave us Landon, if even for a painfully short time.  We pray that one day no child will ever be lost to a CHD.

Faces Of Congenital Heart Defects (CHD) - Landon Jace & William

February 7-14th is recognized as CHD Awareness Week and this year I wanted to celebrate that week by showing you the faces and stories of some incredible heart warriors that we have had the opportunity to get to know along the way.  A congenital heart defect is a problem with the heart's structure that is present at birth.  Congenital heart defects are the most common birth defect and occur in a little over 1 in 100 babies.  1 out of every 4 babies born with a heart defect will have a critical CHD which will require surgery within the first few days after birth in order to survive.

Facts are so important, but they only tell part of the story.  The most important part of the story is the families impacted by CHDs; they are the stories of the children, grandchildren, friends, coworkers that were born with a congenital heart defect.  They are the stories of the children and adults fighting huge battles to survive.  They are also the stories of the children taken from this world too soon due to a CHD.  These are their stories.

 Over the next several days as I feature different children impacted by a congenital heart defect, I hope that you will see the importance of raising awareness and funds to fight against this birth defect and the reason that CHD awareness is a cause close to the hearts of so many.

Heart Hero LANDON JACE

This is our hero Landon Jace! He is 23 months old and was born with a CHD called Hypoplastic Left Heart Syndrome. We were unaware of Landon's heart defect until the day after he was born, when he was transferred because of cyanosis to a nearby hospital with a NICU. He was then given an Echo and diagnosed. Within hours he was life flighted to UMMC Blair E. Batson. He had his first of 3 surgeries (the Norwood) on March 7 at 9 days old. He had a few set backs but was finally able to come home at 21 days old. He had a few more hospital stays for various things and on June 16th he had his pre Glenn Cath. And the day before he was suppose to be admitted into the hospital for his second open heart surgery (the Glenn) we got a call from his cardiologist telling us that he was going to need a second heart Cath because his Innominate artery was severely narrowed. The bodies way of dealing with this was to grow a bunch of little veins around the artery to help pass the blood. But now the blood is going both ways through the veins instead of only traveling one way like it would through the artery. So he went in and had the second heart Cath to correct the artery. And on August 7th at 5 months he had the 2nd open heart surgery (the Glenn). He rocked this surgery and was out of the hospital in 4 days. Landon will go in next month in February for his pre Fontan cath and if all goes well should have his 3rd open heart surgery also next month right before his 2nd birthday. Landon is our HERO!!! He amazes us every day with his resilience and how he keeps his happy, loving, and energetic personality. 

Heart Hero WILLIAM

William Franklin Stroud was born with Hypoplastic Right Heart Syndrome and Transposition of the Great Arteries along with several other congenital heart defects. Even though his parents, Heather and Justin, knew about William’s heart before he was born, they had no idea how much of a fighter William would turn out to be.



At six days old, William underwent his first of three open-heart surgeries. He also underwent two surgeries, two heart catheterizations, pacemaker surgery and countless bedside procedures in order for him to have a chance at life. Through all of the surgeries and emergencies, William always showed the world that he was still fighting with his smiles.



Despite the amazing efforts of the staff at the Pediatric and Congenital Heart Center at Children’s Hospital of Alabama, William was never able to leave the hospital, living only to be four and a half months old. William passed on January 15, 2014. 

Christmas in Heaven

The holidays have been extremely difficult for our family.  I expected it to be tough, but I didn’t expect the pain of missing Hudson to take my breath away like it did right after his death.  There are days that I feel like I’m drowning, but thankfully the majority of days I feel God’s peace.

I wonder what its like in Heaven at Christmas.  I imagine Hudson joining in singing with a beautiful heavenly choir to celebrate our Savior’s birthday.  I’m sure joy radiates from Heaven all of the time, but I imagine it is extra special at Christmas.  What an incredible gift for a king to leave his perfect kingdom to come to a broken and hurting world and die for the sins of all of humanity.  I think about how much I miss Hudson and wish he was here with me, and when I step back from that it makes me think about how Jesus must hurt so much when we are distant from him.  He so desperately wants to be in our lives.  I’m in awe of the love that Jesus has for us, and I’m glad Hudson is experiencing that directly.  Christmas really is about God’s ultimate gift of love in the form of a baby boy.  I’m glad my son is in the arms of his son.

Even though there has been a lot of tragedy in the past year, there are so many things I am thankful for and I wanted to share them with you.

·      Jesus Christ for conquering death and pain in this world and providing a way for me to spend eternity with my creator and loved ones.

·      My incredible husband & Hudson’s amazing Dada.  I’m not sure how I could have done it without you.  You are my perfect match.

·      Our family for supporting us throughout our entire journey with Hudson and especially lately for being so respectful of changing holiday traditions to make it a little easier on us.

·      Incredible friends that have prayed, called, messaged, sent cards and flowers and gifts.  I am thankful for having people in my life that didn’t abandon us when things were ugly, uncomfortable, and awkward.  You have held our hands and wiped our tears, let us talk about Hudson and continue to remember our precious son.  I’m thankful that my friends haven’t given up on me when I probably only respond to their calls and messages less than half of the time. 

·      Hudson’s entire medical team.  You inspire me and are changing lives on a daily basis.  Thank you for giving me the best 23 months of my life.

·      Our church for the amazing support they have offered us.  I’m also so appreciative of the way they took charge of Hudson’s memorial service and made it more special than I could have ever hoped for.

·      Our work families for supporting us and allowing Hudson to take first priority over work obligations. 

·      I am so blown away and thankful for everyone that participated in the first annual Hudson’s Day of Kindness on June 25^th.  Thank you for helping me tell my son’s story and keep his memory alive.  I hope you will continue this tradition with us every year.

·      Thank you to everyone that has donated to Children’s of Alabama in Hudson’s memory.  This memorial fund will remain open indefinitely and every time someone specifies the name Hudson Simmons, 100% of the proceeds will go to life-saving research for other children affected by congenital heart defects and heart problems.  To date we have raised over $9,000 to change the lives of heart families at Children’s of Alabama and hopefully around the world.  Thank you for caring about something that we are so passionate about. 

·      Last but certainly not least is my son, Hudson.  Thank you for making me a mother.  I love you with a fierceness that I didn’t realize existed.  You made me better, more compassionate, more aware, more loving.  You are my greatest accomplishment and the very best part of me.  I can’t wait until the day that we are running into each other’s arms again.  I love you forever Hudson.  Merry Christmas my sweet love!

Hudson's 1st Christmas - 6 months old