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Berkley was born with Hypoplastic Left Heart Syndrome in November of 2020. At just five days old, she underwent her first (of three planned) open heart surgeries. 

She faced complications after that surgery including arrhythmias and vocal cord paralysis (that ultimately led to a feeding tube). Berkley returned to CHCO at 4 1/2 months old for her second open heart surgery. Following that surgery, she faced even more complications including low oxygen and clotting issues. These complications ultimately led to Berkley being put on ECMO (life support) for 8 days. Berkley's surgeon told her parents "we have to do something to get her off of ECMO or she likely will not survive," so she underwent an emergency open heart surgery that ultimately saved her life. 

During that hospital stay, she experienced numerous other complications including a stroke, seizures, and major infections. Berkley returned home and continued her fight through weekly therapies, feeding struggles, and cardiac management for 3 years until July of 2024. She returned to the hospital once again to undergo the third stage (fourth open heart surgery) of the palliative care plan. Just twelve hours after surgery, Berkley was once again placed on ECMO, that time for blood pressure concerns. After discovering a clot in the newly formed circuit, she underwent a cardiac catheterization procedure, taken off ECMO 24 hours later and successfully off the ventilator that same night. Berkley struggled in the days after surgery with a large pleural effusion, but once that was treated, she turned a corner, surprising doctors, nurses, and therapists with her quick recovery. 

After just 11 days in the hospital, Berkley came home to live a life full of preschool, dance, gymnastics, and playing with her older brother. To say Berkley is a fighter is a huge understatement. She is a warrior and truly a walking miracle.