Why I ride
On May 23rd, 2013 our second child, Lyla(2-years old at the time), underwent open heart surgery for a congenital heart defect called Sinus Venosus ASD. As a parent, hearing your child’s heart and lungs were going to be turned off to complete this difficult surgery was devastating. However, from the first moment we were introduced to the staff and doctors at Children’s Hospital we were put at ease. Lyla's recovery was truly amazing and she was up and walking 2 days later.
Today, Lyla has grown into her teens and is our little energetic angel. She is rocking a scar in the middle of her chest that she is very proud of and calls it her "zip-line". She likes hanging with friends, loves her swim team and playing with her sisters, Haley and Emmy.
Throughout all of the interactions we had with the doctors and staff of the Pediatric Cardiology unit, we felt informed and they welcomed any and all questions. They truly made an experience like this have the best possible outcome in all aspects. I asked how I could thank our surgeon, Dr. Max Mitchell, and he said with a very humbling answer, "a thank you and a smile like that (from Lyla) is all I need. This is my job." We visit our wonderful Pediatric Cardiologist Dr. Karrie Villavicencio every year and she continues to impress us with her kind professionalism and her genuine care for our family. Faith Fisher our CPNP-AC was wonderful as well, making us feel comfortable taking our precious girl home from the hospital and helping prepare us for Lyla’s recovery.
It is one thing to do such amazing work because it is your job, but it is absolutely incredible to see those same individuals donate their time and see them participate in the Courage Classic. They truly care about and for children they help every day.
I will be riding in the Courage Classic as long as I am able. My goal this year is to raise $2,000 to support a place that is truly making miracles happen every day.
