HOUSTON — Congenital heart defects (CHD) are problems present at birth that affect the structure and function of the heart. CHDs are America's most common birth defect, affecting nearly 40,000 babies each year in the U.S alone. This equates to 1 child every 15 minutes.
Christopher Jr., affectionately known as Deuce, was born with Congenital Heart Defect (CHD) in 2018. He underwent four open heart surgeries from 2018-2022. In 2021, he was listed for a heart transplant due to progressive heart failure. He passed away at the age of four in January 2023.
Deuce lived a beautiful life. He liked to paint, sing and dance. He loved going to school and riding the school bus. He was kind, compassionated and had a great sense of humor. He aspired to be a doctor. While Deuce had to endure more than most in his short life, his parents, Meissa and Christopher Wheeler, made sure that he had a chance to experience life.
In memory of Deuce, his parents have started the Fight Like Deuce Foundation. Their goal is provide advocacy and support to CHD families. They also partner with organizations to give back to the communities that are near and dear to their hearts. In honor of Deuce's 5th birthday, their community was able to purchase over 100 items for his classroom at Creech Elementary in Katy. They have sponsored learning supplies and care packages for CHD inpatient families. Since Deuce's favorite holiday was Christmas, their supporters purchased over 250 toys and made over 500 holiday cards for inpatient families. They also created personalized ornaments for other Heart Angel families. This year they are focusing on providing support to other bereaved families. They hope their journey will let other families know they are not alone.
When Meagan Clanahan was pregnant with twins, she was considered high risk so she constantly had anatomy ultrasounds. During her 22 week check up a heart defect was suspected for one of the twins. The next few weeks were fraught with despair as her and her husband tried to figure out what Quinn had, her prognosis and what would happen after she was born.
Quinn Clanahan is now 13-years-old and living with a CHD. She has had two open heart surgeries, catheter procedure to open up her veins, MRI's, and more x-rays and EKGs than they can count. She is currently under no restrictions and can exercise just like any other kid. However, she has cardiology appointments every 6-12 months. Meagan and Quinn know that her pulmonary valve is "bad" and she will need to have that replaced. Right now, her "bad" is working for her but doctors anticipate by 18-years-old she will need surgery.
Meagan promised herself that once they got past everything with Quinn, she would do anything and everything to help support those parents of the CHD warriors and angels, whether writing about it, attending events, etc.
Meagan's friends, Stephanie and Robby McDaniel sadly lost their son, Graeme, to a heart defect. For the 9th year running, they will host "Graeme's Run" a family friendly 5k run and 1-mile walk on Saturday, February 24 at No Label Brewing Co. in Katy. Last year, they raised $185,000 for CHD research.
To register, visit graememcdanielfoundation.org/register.
Adriana Alaniz's son, Axel, was diagnosed with CHD at 4-years-old, and required immediate heart surgery. During his first heart procedure his femoral artery ruptured towards the end of the surgery. It was very traumatic and almost had his leg amputated. Doctors were able to save his life and his leg, but Axel will be required to be monitored for the rest of his life.
Adriana is the owner of Barrio Antiguo Designs, which has a collection of Sacred Heart art and jewelry. They represent all those fighting an illness especially the heart warriors.
You can shop online at barrioantiguodesigns.com or have an in-store experience at Mala Market on 1302 W Gray St.