This year I am honored to dedicate my ride to a very special patient, Evit Plowman and his family. Evit has very complex congenital cardiac disease called HLHS, and has recently completed a series of three operations to treat this heart defect. Evit has done very well through his complicated young life. His family has been such great supporters of the Childrens Hospital Colorado and have also demonstrated selfless advocacy for the care and treatment of congenital heart disease with their own non-profit, Montana Bravehearts. Because of this, We at the Heart Institute wanted to dedicate this ride to Evit, his family and all of our patients in Montana. I would like to include a brief message from Evit's mother Kalee.
"Evit was born with Hypoplastic Left Heart Syndrome at Children’s Hospital Colorado. His condition requires three staged open-heart surgeries to enable his heart, which should have 2 pumping chambers, to function with a single pumping chamber. His family relocated from Northwestern Montana to Aurora, Colorado, to ensure he received the best care, undergoing his first open-heart surgery at just 8 days old. At seven months old, Evit returned home to Montana for the first time after completing two of the three surgeries.
Despite his severe heart defect, Evit has thrived. He is a fiercely loved little boy, full of mischief and strength. He has taught those who love him the significance of embracing the best aspects of life and living it to the fullest. Evit would not be with us today without the incredible team at Children’s Hospital Colorado, whose expertise and dedication have been pivotal to his life and overall well-being. Evit most recently had his final staged surgery with Dr. Max Mitchell and his team. He has had an incredible recovery. Evit and his family will be forever grateful for the dedication of the many healthcare professionals who have committed their careers to improving the lives of those affected by CHD.".