Ethan's Run 2010

It is coming up on one year. On February 17, 2009, my CHD baby Scarlett was born at St. Joseph's Hospital in Phoenix, Arizona. Well, on February 18 (one day later), her little friend Ethan was born at the same hospital. Ethan was also born with a CHD called Hypoplastic Left Heart Syndrome [or HLHS as it's commonly known in the heart world].  Ethan and Scarlett were hospital neighbors.  I met Ethan's mom Heidi  in the hallways of the hospital when Ethan was recovering from his first open-heart surgery, and Scarlett was recovering from her first open-heart surgery. They were coincidentally in rooms 17 & 18 (their birthdays).

Unlike Scarlett, Ethan wasn't released from the hospital after 3 weeks. In fact, Ethan became a permanent resident of the 7th Floor PCTICU for practically the entire duration of his short life. He was only released to be home with his family for a very brief period before being re-admitted again. After a 6-month long and painful struggle, Ethan earned his angel's wings on August 21, 2009. I don't think I have ever cried so much in my entire life. I'm getting tears in my eyes right now just thinking about it. It was the single-most hardest funeral I have ever attended.

Ethan's headstone:

In his honor, Ethan's mom Heidi has established the first ever "Ethan's Run" A 10K or 2 mile fun run/walk.  Proceeds will benefit the Scott and Laura Eller Congenital Heart Center [Scarlett's cardiologist office]. Heidi scheduled the Run for the weekend on what should have been Ethan's First Birthday.

The Run will take place on Saturday, February 20, 2009 in the East Valley in the Community of Las Sendas (northeast Mesa). In addition to the Run/Walk, there will be a fun zone at the park with bounce houses and snacks/treats. Children do not need to be registered.

 To register, click here.  There are interactive maps to see the 10K route and get directions. Mail-in forms can also be downloaded through http://www.arizonaroadracers.com/Calendar/ethans-run.pdf.

If you live in the Phoenix Metropolitan area and are free on February 20, please consider joining us. Thank you for your support of Congenital Heart Defects and for keeping Ethan's spirit alive.