Meet Josie! Here’s what her parents had to say about this special heart warrior!
Josie was diagnosed with Hypoplastic Left Heart Syndrome at her 20 week ultrasound. She received a fetal echo in-utero and that's when her relationship with the Advocate Christ began. Josie had her first open heart surgery at 3 days old. She had her first cardiac arrest for 15 minutes at five days old. What is typically a 30 day recovery period, turned into over 7 months for Josie. She fought for her life on numerous occasions, but with perfectly timed Josie story and placed doctors and nurses in her life to save her many times over. Josie had three open heart surgeries before getting discharged for the first time. She was seven months old. Again, our miracle girl did not make things easy on his PICU team. Josie is now Six years old. Waiting for her heart transplant at Ann Robert Luries Children Hospital at CCU. She was admitted on October 30th, 2024 on a regular outpatient visit to introduce Josie. Josie was already showing lots of heart failure. EKG results was low as 63. Dr. G right away admitted her. She has had a total of 5 heart surgeries, numerous heart catheterizations, and a g-tube placed. She is active, joyful, and curious about everything! Despite her extensive time in the hospital, she is developmentally is catching up.
We walk to raise awareness of so many stories like Josie’s. These children have complex needs, but full lives. They are vibrant and remind us how precious and beautiful life is. Funding and awareness is so important because kids, like Josie, have teams of staff that will follow them into adulthood. We are so thankful for every individual who has cared for our heart warrior and we are honored to be part of the TEAM IL CHD Walk.
Thank you for supporting this wonderful cause!
