“There’s something wrong with your baby’s heart.” Like you, those words are forever etched into my soul….
Hi there, I’m Josie, and I’m a heart mom.
At the 20-week ultrasound for my third daughter, Maya, we received life-changing news – not only did she have a congenital heart defect, but she also has Down Syndrome. That was a lot of information to process during what was supposed to be a simple anatomy scan.
In the days, weeks, and months leading up to Maya’s birth and subsequent surgery, I yearned for a way to stay connected with all the people who love and support us. I wanted something more than those silicone bracelets you see everywhere. I wanted something cuter and more simple. Something that could be tied around everyone’s wrists and stay there! So one day, my grandma, my mom, my sister, and my two older daughters gathered around the kitchen table, measuring, cutting, and tying string to these little heart charms. We handed out these sweet bracelets to everyone: friends, family, coworkers, and even Maya’s cardiologist and nurses. Seeing these bracelets on others was a gift I didn’t know I needed. It was a silent, powerful way to feel supported and connected, without the need for words.
These bracelets, much like the bravery bags from Mended Little Hearts®, serve as wordless connections to other families. While we were staying at the Ronald McDonald House, I reached out to a husband and wife sitting at a table next to me because I noticed their bag, and I knew they had a little warrior fighting a big battle too. The bracelets perform a similar function; they are physical reminders that you’re not alone.
As heart moms and dads, we walk this challenging path together, and these bracelets represent our shared strength and resilience. They say, “You are not alone, and neither am I.”
Recognizing the potential to help future CHD families, I started a business selling these bracelets. Our goal is to not only carry our story but to be a lifeline for those just beginning their journey. A portion of the proceeds from these bracelet goes toward supporting CHD research and raising awareness. It’s a way for us to make a lasting impact, to ensure that no other family faces this journey feeling isolated.
Today, Maya is a vibrant, five-year-old heart warrior, and she’s doing great. Her smile lights up our lives, and we continue to learn from her resilience and strength every day.
Being in the “heart world” we are linked by an unspoken bond that speaks volumes about love, hope, and unity in the face of adversity. We may not always have the right words, but we have the power of these small, meaningful symbols that keep our hearts tied together.
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