Zane, 7, and Zeke, 5, are brothers bound by more than just family ties; they both share a rare cardiac diagnosis, hypoplastic left heart syndrome (HLHS). This congenital heart condition means the left side of their hearts didn’t develop properly before they were born, presenting many challenges for the little boys to overcome. While their diagnoses are the same, their journeys at Children’s Hospital Colorado have taken two very different paths. Both boys were diagnosed in utero and born in the Colorado Fetal Care Center at Children’s Hospital Colorado. Zane had multiple surgeries, all of which were successful. Zeke had one surgery and then went into heart failure, receiving a new heart at 8 months old.

The little boys do not let their heart conditions slow them down. Zane is an energtic kindergartener this year. He loves Spider Man and riding rollercoasters; he also loves watching the Colorado Avalanche. Zeke loves Mickey Mouse and Cocomelon, and he’s usually trying to keep up with his big brother.

Zane and Zeke have thrived not just because of the medical interventions they’ve received, but also because of the love and support that is surrounding them - from their care team, their family, and each other. Their mom, Kayla, has also become an inspiration for other parents of children with HLHS and is a resource for many families who are working through the same diagnosis.