Wesley is a 22-month old Heart Hero from Amarillo, Texas. Wesley has Hypoplastic Left Heart Syndrome (HLHS), a complex heart defect in which the left ventricle and aorta are under-developed (hypoplastic). HLHS typically requires three surgeries to repair the heart- the Norwood operation, the Glenn shunt (or hemi-Fontan) procedure, and the Fontan procedure. Wesley underwent the Norwood operation on April 8, 2013 and the Glenn surgery later that same year, on October 24.

Wesley’s fight and determination keep him busy trying to keep up with his two older siblings. His mother, Monika, says,

“His strength & courage are overwhelming. I often find myself amazed with how much he has overcome, and yet he still has the biggest smile on his face that lights up every room he enters. He is also very stubborn! It’s Wesley’s way or the highway! His personality continues to develop and I am just so grateful for the opportunity to see him become his own little person.

Having a Heart Hero in our life means not taking anything for granted. We celebrate every victory, every moment whether it’s big or small. Our lives are forever changed with having our Heart Hero and we wouldn’t have it any other way. It’s not an easy road, but every step taken with Wesley is worth it. Spreading CHD Awareness and educating others has become a passion for us. We are so blessed to have him. He was a surprise we never knew we needed so badly.”

Wesley’s cape is still in the design studio, but for his parents, seeing the faces of the children that wear the capes is priceless. Children with CHDs go through more than most will in a lifetime. They truly are heroes, and they deserve to look the part!

Follow Wesley’s adventure on Facebook: www.facebook.com/mendingwesleysbrokenheart