Thank you for visiting my Walk for 1 in 100 personal fundraising page. Please consider making a tax deductible contribution to support my fundraising efforts for the Adult Congenital Heart Association. All funds raised benefit CHD research and programs. I appreciate your support!

    When I was born, I was diagnosed with a rare congenital heart defect called Truncus Arteriosus. A condition that prevents the Aorta and the main pulmonary artery from separating completely during development. I was also born with a hole in my heart. 

      I had my first open heart surgery at 6 weeks old to close the hole and to implant a conduit. I was only 4 pounds 12 ounces. My parents were told by my surgeon that my heart was the size of a walnut. The surgery  lasted over 12 hours.

     I had my second open heart surgery to replace my conduit at 9 months old and my third open heart surgery was on my 4th birthday. Between the time I was born and 13 years old I have also had 9 heart catheterizations. 

     At age 12 I was asked to be in a study for the Melody Valve. I was the 33rd person in the United States to have this valve implanted. It has since been FDA approved and has helped thousands of people. The Melody Valve kept me from having to endure two more open heart surgeries. At age 13 I received my second Melody Valve. After 12 years it is still going strong. 

     My treatment and procedures will last throughout my lifetime. With the help of the ACHA thousands of people like myself will be able to get the best care possible. 

     I want to thank all of the doctors, nurses and researchers from Yale and Columbia Presbyterian for saving my life. 

      A special thank you to my parents and grandparents for supporting me throughout my life.

Chris Jossick