This handsome Heart Hero is Wyatt, from Elkhorn, Nebraska! Wyatt is eleven months old and born with several complex congenital heart defects (CCHD)- Atrioventricular Septal Defect (AVSD), Subaortic Stenosis, Left Ventricular Non-Compaction, and Complete Heart Block. He has also been diagnosed with Heterotaxy Syndrome (left atrial isomerism) with Polysplenia. AVSD is a malformation of the endocardioal cushions and LV Non-Compaction is ac condition in which the wall of the main pumping chamber in the heart is “spongy” (non-compacted).  Complete heart occurs when electrical signals can’t pass normally from the upper chambers to the lower (atria to the ventricles), which affects heart rate and rhythm.  Heterotaxy Syndrome means “different arrangement”- where the heart and other organs can be in different places, and left atrial isomerism can cause septal defects, heart block and polysplenia (absent spleen or multiple small spleens).  Wyatt got a temporary pacemaker day he was born and underwent open heart-surgery at two weeks old. He also had heart catheterization procedures at two months old and nine months old. After his open-heart surgery, Wyatt was diagnosed with pulmonary hypertension.

“Wyatt” means “Little Warrior”. His parents aptly named him the night before they received the news of Wyatt’s diagnosis. For Wyatt’s mother, Christine, having a Heart Hero in her life is a blessing and a privilege.
“It may sound cliché, but we don’t look at life the same anymore. It can feel the same from day to day, but you just have to let go of control a little bit more when you go through something like this. Its not in our hands anymore, we enjoy each day and all the good moments that come with it. I am inspired by what my son has overcome in his short life and am thankful for each and every day.”

Kids with CHD like Wyatt undergo a lot of pokes, prods, and procedures during their lives. The Heart Hero Cape symbolizes strength as well as the power to continue the fight and to overcome great obstacles. Although Wyatt is still young, his feistiness has a lot to do with how far he has come. That incredible smile says it all!

Wyatt’s first heartiversary is coming up this April and the family is planning to celebrate with friends and family.