Hi all,
On June 11, Jay, Sammy and I will be walking 7 miles around the Charles River as part of Miles for Miracles, a fundraiser for Children's Hospital Boston.
As you likely know, our son Samson was born with a congenital heart defect called Hypoplastic Left Heart Syndrome/Double-Outlet Right Ventricle (HLHS/DORV). We knew at 20 weeks pregnant that he would need three open heart surgeries, the first when he was a tiny four days old.
We chose Children's Hospital Boston partially because of its location - we live 45 minutes away - but largely for its excellent reputation. We can't go on enough about how wonderful CHB really is.
Sammy spent a total of 19 days at CHB - 14 in the CICU after his Norwood and 5 on the "step down" floor. Never did we question the expertise and professionalism of the nurses, doctors and surgeons. Each person worked as a team that moved seemingly effortlessly to give Sammy the very best care possible. They included us in as much as they possibly could, encouraging us to learn about everything our son was going through. They encouraged us to be there with him, to talk to him, play music for him, let him know we were there with him. This was a huge comfort for us during a very difficult time.
We're fundraising for this event because we believe so strongly in all the good things Children's Hospital Boston does for kids. Its patient care programs are incredibly sensitive to what sick and injured children and their families really need. Its researchers regularly make amazing discoveries that change children's lives. It welcomes kids whose families can't afford health care-more than any other hospital in Massachusetts. It makes a point of reaching out to local communities to help low-income and at-risk kids. And it really gets the importance of training the next generation of top pediatricians and nurses. We can't think of a worthier organization.
Please consider donating to the cause. Every donation makes such a difference. Want to donate? And if you're interested in walking with us on Team Sammy, let me know!
Thanks so much for your support through everything.
Love,
Erika, Jay & Sammy