#SAWYERSTRONG

Heart Hero of the Month Update Part 2

July 2024

Written by Mom, Brittany

Read Part 1 here. 

Sawyer showed us the strength a little warrior truly has with her heart function improving drastically about 1 week following open heart surgery. -Brittany

After a referral by a coworker and one of my nursing students, we were welcomed into the Heart Heroes family! Being a part of the CHD community is not something we ever had on our radar, not many people would until you are touched by these amazing warriors. We received Sawyer’s Heart Hero Cape and our Tote of Hope. It was such a blessing and a reminder that we have a team on our side!

We continued the course with our “new normal” of caring for an infant recovering from open heart surgery, making sure medications were given on time, while still giving the much-needed attention to our older daughter. The support we received from our family and friends in the following months and years was truly a blessing. One of Sawyer’s biggest supporters was her Papa Schlueter. From meal runner to walks with Sawyer, to the many prayers he sent our way, he was there in so many ways. 

Papa had a love for walking and the Superhero Heart Run became one of Papa’s favorite events to help celebrate how far Sawyer had come. The 2023 Superhero Heart Run would be the last one where Papa would make his appearance Earth side. We lost Papa Schlueter very unexpectedly and suddenly in March of 2024. Exactly one month after Papa went to heaven, we had our latest cardiology follow-up. This appointment came with much worry, and excitement, all while still navigating the grief of losing a loved one. We had been trialing if Sawyer could come off of her final medication for her heart over the last 6 months. We got the news that day, that we could stop the medication completely! We were not thinking we would ever hear those words from her doctor for a long time, if not ever. Yet again, she continued to beat the odds but this time with a very special angel watching over her. We felt Papa’s presence and knew he was with us when we received such special news. Miracles do happen and we are blessed to call her our daughter!

Sawyer will not have another follow-up for another year if all goes well. Until then, we will keep supporting those who continue to battle CHD and advocating for those who have lost their battle. 

Never lose hope. Just when you think it’s over…. God sends you a miracle. -Brittany

We hope you will join us for this year's Superhero Heart Run on Sunday, Sept. 29, 2024 @ Werner Park as we celebrate, honor and remember our Heart Heroes. Sign up today!