Every year I’ve been aware of my condition when this time of the year comes around, I’ve seen my mother share posts about educating others and creating awareness about Congenital Heart Defects (CHD). Many times, she has posted some of our own, and many, similar to those I’ve seen from other parents of heart warriors: the pictures in the CICU, pictures of syringes and chest tubes, IV’s and respirators. I think most times, meant to show others that our struggle is real and that the battle to stay alive, in spite of our diagnosis, is real as well.
But this year, this week, I wanted to do something different. I am no longer a CHD baby, but I have not yet transitioned to an adult congenital heart defects specialist. I am a teen, and I want to address, not only other teens that have a CHD like me and need to know that they’re not alone, but also teens who don’t. I want to reach out to teens who have a healthy heart and might not always understand what it’s like. And if I help others come to terms with their condition, and give them hope that you can grow up with a CHD, even better!
Please help me share these images and come back daily as I will be posting a new one each day. Let’s create awareness together, so #ShareDontStare.
Photographs by Leyshla Mauro
You don’t need to be born with a CHD to help raise awareness. 
My CHD is not my fault I am not one in a million Some accessories tell a story 
Name a word besides Kardashian that starts with K Fashion fades. CHD are forever.
