Chance Liem Karter Jean is a Heart Angel from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. In his seven short weeks of life, he touched a lot of hearts and made a big impact within the CHD community. Chance was born with Aortic Stenosis and Ventricular Septal Defect (VSD).  The aorta takes oxygenated blood from the heart to the body through the aortic valve.  When the aortic valve doesn’t fully open, aortic stenosis occurs.  VSD is a hole between the right and left ventricles, which allows oxygenated and deoxygenated blood to mix.  Chance had his first surgery at seven days old, to place a band around the hole in his heart and also to open up the narrowed valve. He underwent open-heart surgery following the first surgery to replace the damaged heart valve with an artificial one. Chance also had a picc line placed in his leg and a procedure to remove a blood clot from his lungs.

Marquetta, Chance’s mother said that having a Heart Hero changed her life. She appreciates everything around her so much more. She appreciates life. “God gave me this opportunity to help myself and to help others. I’m very grateful for Chance and yet so sad at the same time. This experience has opened my heart and my mind.” Marquetta made a lot of friends as she made her way through this CHD journey and they have been a strong source of support and comfort for her, something that wasn’t there before. “Things happen to the best of us and God knows my strength and my weaknesses, which is why He chose me to be Chance’s mother.”

Although Chance is a Heart Angel, he was innocent and strong. He fought the good fight. He fought every day of his life like the superhero he is. Chance’s birthday is three days apart from his brother’s, and the family is planning on a party for both celebrations. Marquetta plans on a balloon release and a visit to Chance’s burial site.

Remember Chance and all of the Heart Angels. Take a Chance and support a Heart Hero. Raise awareness, spread the word. Help our Heart Heroes to have a second Chance.