Yesterday we had the pleasure to share the story of sweet Harper whose life was sadly cut short by CHD. Today I want to share with you Colby’s story. Colby is an energetic, fun-loving little boy who you would never know has a heart condition unless you catch a glimpse of his scars.

Colby Chance Hitchcock was born on August 4, 2008 at Vanderbilt Children’s Hospital with the severe congenital heart defects of Tricuspid Atresia, Hypoplastic Right Heart Syndrome, a large Ventricular Septal Defect, and bilateral Superior Vena Cavas (SVCs).  After a 2 week stay in the NICU for monitoring, he was able to go home without surgical intervention.  At two months old, though, Colby was unexpectedly admitted back into the hospital to face his first of three major heart surgeries, the BT Shunt.  A few weeks after his first birthday, in late August 2009, Colby had his second surgery, the Glenn Operation.  His third and final open heart surgery, the Fontan, was performed in March 2011, when Colby was 2 1/2 years old.

Today, Colby is 7 years old and doing great!  He sees his cardiologist every 6 months and currently only takes 2 medicines for his heart. He lives his life with only half of a functioning heart, but he doesn’t let that slow him down.  He is in 1st grade and loves math and writing stories.  He also loves playing soccer, swimming, and doing gymnastics.  Colby continues to amaze us every day with his strength and spirit.  He is truly a miracle and his health is a gift that we will never take for granted!!  God has blessed us beyond belief with Colby and with his smart, funny, supportive, and loving big brother, Brody!

Colby’s life would not be the same without the important cardiac research performed over the last several decades. We want to see kids like Colby thrive into adulthood and outlive their parents. This is only possible with continued research to know how to care for individuals with CHD as they age. Join us in spreading CHD awareness and the importance of research by sharing Colby’s story!

PROJECT HEART IS A 501(C)(3) NONPROFIT DEDICATED TO RAISING FUNDS FOR CHD RESEARCH. HELP US CHANGE THE LIVES OF CHILDREN LIVING WITH CHD. DONATE A TAX DEDUCTIBLE GIFT TO PROJECT HEART AND SUPPORT CHD RESEARCH HERE: HTTP://THINKPROJECTHEART.ORG/DONATE