Teddy is a five-year-old Heart Hero who was born with Ventricular Inversion- Left Transposition and Transposition of the Great Arteries (TGA). Teddy’s left and right ventricles were reversed (ventricular inversion) and the aorta and pulmonary were connected to the wrong vetricles (TGA).  Teddy lives in Lincoln, Nebraska with his family. He has undergone three surgeries to repair his heart defects- Pulmonary Artery (PA) Band, PA Band Tightening, and Double Switch.

“Having a Heart Hero is a constant reminder of God’s grace and my own humility to be given the honor of being a ‘heart mom’,” says Karrie, Teddy’s mother. The Heart Hero Cape is the cornerstone of how the family celebrates Teddy’s survival and is a powerful reminder of everthing their strong boy has been through.

With each year that passes, Teddy grows in stature and spirit, and  being the narrator of his story transitions over to him (from his family).  Heart Heroes is integral in that transition because it gives Teddy an empowerment in his identity as a child born with CHD.  It helps him to embrace it, as opposed to being ashamed or embarrassed by it.

July 17 is Teddy’s heartiversary.  They call it Teddy’s Heart Hero Day and enjoy celebrating the day like a birthday celebration.  It’s a great way to reiterate the strength, courage, and superhero powers that help Teddy every day!