I am blessed to be a part of the ACHD community. ACHD stands for Adults with Congenial Heart Defects. This year we have decided to walk with the ACHD community to specifically raise funds for research for congenital heart defects.

I was born with a congenital cataract, droopy eyelids and a fractured clavicle. One of the nurses told my mom she didn’t want to worry her, but usually when children are born with congenital cataracts, it’s common for a child to have other health issues.

My CHD was diagnosed 2 years later. Unfortunately, we’ve learned the other numerous health issues accompany CHD.

I was born with a rare double orifice mitral valve, mitral stenosis and a bicuspid aortic valve. I had my first OHS (Open Heart Surgery) at age 4. They replaced my mitral valve with a St. Jude Mechanical valve. I was put on Coumadin, a blood thinner, that I will have to take the rest of my life, due to the mechanical valve. That replacement also left me with WPW (Wolff Parkinson’s White) syndrome. (That valve lasted till age 18 when it developed calcium deposits that was keeping it from functioning correctly.)

I had a stroke at age 10. My blood coagulation level was a little low but Genetic testing also revealed another congenital defect, a blood clotting disorder.

I had my second OHS at age 18 to replace that valve. The replacement fixed the WPW syndrome. I am now 28 and facing my 3rd OHS to clean calcium from around my mitral valve and/or possibly replace that valve again and to also replace my aortic valve.

One in 100 babies born are born with heart defects. I have created the team Aundrea’s Warrior walkers as a way to connect with other heart warriors, raise awareness, and to help fundraise for research in hopes to someday find more advance treatments and maybe even find a cure to rid the future generations of CHD.

On Saturday September 11,2021 my team will be walking at the Philadelphia Zoo. Admission to join our team for the walk is $25 per person** do to it including zoo admission. You are always welcome to donate more if you wish.

If you would like to donate to our team but are unable to join us for the walk any amount of donations to our team Aundrea’s Warrior Walkers, will be greatly appreciated.

Please join us for a fun filled informative day at the zoo! Don’t forget to wear your team shirt the day of the walk.

If you are interested in purchasing this year’s team t shirt, or hoodie (new design) please contact me ASAP as we need to preorder shirts and materials. Thanks so much for your support!