Hi! My name is Claire, and thank you so much for visiting my Courage Classic fundraising page! I am 9 years old and super excited to be riding in my second Courage Classic this year with the Cardiac Climbers and my mom, Megan SooHoo.
This year, I am riding for one of my mom's patients, a little girl named Elleigh. She is a 2 and a half year old heart warrior born with a critical congenital heart defect called hypoplastic left heart syndrome (HLHS), where the left side of her heart did not develop properly. At just 1 week old, Elleigh underwent her first open-heart surgery - the Norwood procedure - and spent the first 3 months of her life in the hospital. Since then, she has bravely faced 3 more open-heart surgeries. Due to the severity of her condition, Elleigh and her parents remained in Colorado for 15 months before she was finally strong enough to come home to Kansas. This fall, she will face yet another open-heart surgery. Through it all, Elleigh hasn't faced this journey alone - her big sister, Layla, has been right by her side as her biggest supporter and very best friend. Despite everything she has endured, Elleigh is a happy, strong, and determined little girl. She continues to thrive and inspire everyone around her - truly the definition of a heart warrior!
I am so happy to have the opportunity to ride in a bike tour that brings awareness to kids like Elleigh. All the money our team raises will help the patients and families the Heart Institute cares for at Children's Hospital Colorado. Thank you for your support and donation!