Christopher WON BIG celebrating another year!

Christopher’s life has been a challenge since he was born. When he was only two days old he was diagnosed with a severe congenital heart defect. Congenital heart defects are changes in the structure of the heart or nearby blood vessels that reduce the heart’s ability to pump oxygenated blood throughout the body. Although congenital heart defects are the most common type of birth defect, each case is unique, so every patient requires different medical intervention.

Christopher’s heart defect warranted urgent action. He had his first open heart surgery shortly after the defect was diagnosed at five weeks old. After the 12-hour surgery, he was dependent on life support. He was flown from the hospital in Virginia where he was born to Boston Children’s Hospital for additional care during his difficult and lengthy recovery from the surgery. Finally, after 101 days in the hospital, he came home. Since then, he has traveled to Boston Children’s over 30 times, had two more open heart surgeries, and 30 heart catheterizations to keep his heart as healthy as possible.

Today, Christopher is celebrating his tenth birthday. Birthdays are a big deal because these challenges started at the beginning of his life. Consequently, his family’s motto is “Go Big” for every birthday celebration. What good fortune that Sinful Endings Bakery is near their home in Virginia. The Wheel of Fortune Cake captured the spirit of Christopher and his big celebration. It was a win for everyone!

With smiles + cake,

Molly Sargen

Icing Smiles Blog Writer