This year, I’m riding in the Courage Classic with the Cardiac Climbers, and I’m dedicating my ride to Christopher Grieser — 2-year-old who truly defines what it means to be a fighter.
Christopher’s story began at his mom’s 20-week anatomy scan, where his family learned he had Hypoplastic Left Heart Syndrome. He was born on October 2, 2023, at the Children’s Hospital Colorado and has been showing everyone around him what true strength looks like ever since. At just 9 days old, Christopher underwent his first open-heart surgery, the Norwood procedure, followed by the Glenn procedure at 4 months old.
When Christopher was no longer a good candidate for his third surgery, he was placed on the heart transplant list in December 2025. In March 2026, he had a Berlin Heart pump placed, and he has continued to amaze everyone every single day while he waits for his hero heart.
I’ve had the honor to know and love Christopher since he has been a baby! Through every challenge, Christopher remains the sweetest, happiest little boy. He loves his family, loves Bluey, and has a smile that lights up the entire unit the moment he flashes it. There’s something truly heart-melting about the joy he brings to everyone around him. Watching him continue to grow, fight, and become stronger every day has been nothing short of incredible.