Our Little Heart Hero – Olivia Marie Turner
Written by Sara
Olivia Marie Turner was born on October 19, 2016, in Des Moines, Iowa. From the very beginning, she showed us what true strength looks like.
Olivia was born with Congenital Heart Disease called Tetralogy of Fallot (TOF). Congenital means that her heart did not develop normally before she was born. Tetralogy of Fallot is made up of four heart abnormalities that affect the way blood flows through the heart and to the lungs. While this diagnosis was frightening, we were comforted knowing that, thanks to incredible medical advancements and care, TOF can be repaired through open-heart surgery.
On July 25, 2017, at just 9 months old, Olivia underwent her first open-heart surgery. Watching our little girl face such a major challenge at such a young age was one of the hardest moments we have ever experienced. Yet, from the very beginning, Olivia showed us that she was a fighter. Her strength, courage, and determination amazed us then, and she continues to inspire us every single day.
Thanks to her incredible medical team and her courageous spirit, Olivia’s surgery was a success, and she has continued to grow into the strong, happy, and beautiful little girl we know and love today.
Although her first surgery was successful, Olivia’s heart journey is ongoing. She will continue to have regular appointments with her cardiologist throughout her childhood, and around the ages of 10–12, she will need another open-heart surgery to replace her pulmonary valve. Living with Congenital Heart Disease is a lifelong journey, but it is only one part of Olivia’s incredible story.
In addition to her heart condition, Olivia was also diagnosed with a rare genetic disorder called MED13L syndrome. MED13L affects her development and has contributed to cognitive and speech developmental delays. While these challenges have meant more appointments, therapies, and obstacles along the way, Olivia continues to show the world that she is so much more than any diagnosis.
Her life has included countless doctor visits, tests, therapies, and surgeries, but through it all, Olivia has remained the happiest little girl with the biggest smile. She approaches every challenge with a strength and resilience that amazes everyone who knows her.
Olivia has taught us that courage is not measured by the challenges we face, but by the way we continue to shine through them. She reminds us to celebrate every milestone, cherish every moment, and never take a single heartbeat for granted.
Olivia is our little miracle, our heart hero, and our greatest blessing. She is proof that the smallest hearts can hold the biggest amounts of love, courage, and strength. We couldn’t be prouder of the brave, joyful, and resilient little girl she is becoming.
Olivia is one of the happiest and sweetest little girls you will ever meet. Her smile lights up every room, and her determination reminds us every day that heroes come in the smallest packages. We are incredibly grateful for her, and she inspires us daily with the joy, love, and courage she carries in her heart.
Throughout Olivia’s heart journey, we have been incredibly thankful for the support and community we have found through Help a Heart, a local organization in Des Moines dedicated to bringing heart families together. They have helped remind us that we are never alone. Through this amazing community, we have been able to connect with other families who understand the challenges, fears, and emotions that come with having a child with CHD. These connections have given us a place to share our stories, ask questions, receive advice, and find comfort from others who truly understand our heart journey.
Through the annual Superhero Heart Run, we have met even more incredible families and Heart Heroes who share similar experiences. It has been inspiring to connect with others, celebrate our children’s strength, and see the love and support that surrounds the CHD community. The Heart Heroes organization also provides capes for CHD kids, reminding them that they are not defined by their scars or challenges — they are heroes.
This Heart Month, we celebrated Olivia and all the amazing children born with CHD and rare genetic conditions. Their journeys may look different, but their courage is extraordinary. Every scar, every milestone, and every smile tells a story of strength.
Every heartbeat has a story. Every heart hero has a journey.
