CCF HEART KIDS
These are some of the kids that inspire us to work harder everyday. Read their stories and join us in the fight against pediatric cardiomyopathy – the number one cause of heart transplants and sudden cardiac arrest in the young.
Hypertrophic
Cardiomyopathy (HCM)
Nick is a sports enthusiast and an accomplished bowler who has been competing for 9 years. At age 2, he was diagnosed with HCM, and in elementary school he had a defibrillator (ICD) implanted as a precaution. His ICD saved his life when he was in high school. Shortly afterwards, he had a myectomy to relieve his symptoms. Nick is doing well now and excited about starting college.
Left Ventricular Noncompaction Cardiomyopathy (LVNC)
Lena is an adorable fireball of energy. She loves her Barbies and just got her first bike and a drum set. At 3 months old, Lena had a sudden cardiac arrest that almost took her life. Fortunately, she is closely monitored now and has an implantable defibrillator to protect her in the future. Lena enjoys being active, and after school you can find her dancing and doing gymnastics.
Dilated Cardiomyopathy (DCM)
Priyanka is a spirited young girl. She has fun playing dress up with her older sister, and she gets excited when it’s bath time. She loves her mom’s savory Indian dishes because it reminds her of her birthplace. Priyanka was diagnosed during a routine exam when she was age one. Her heart continues to improve, and she has reduced her medications from four to two every day.
Dilated Cardiomyopathy (DCM)
Christopher is a charismatic and mischievous toddler. Everyone feels his presence when he enters the room. He likes to joke around and make people laugh with his amusing imitations. His initial DCM symptoms were attributed to his premature birth, but a chest X-ray confirmed his enlarged heart. Christopher is responding well to his treatment and even more playful these days.
To meet more Heart Kids, click here.