If the glass slipper fits… wear it. And this brave little princess does it well. Shelby lives with multiple Congenital Heart Defects but you would never know by looking at her. This beautiful 5 year old heart warrior is full of joy and enthusiasm, especially when it comes to princesses and Disney. Her smile is contagious and you can’t help but have a good time when you’re around her. Shelby is truly an inspiration and doesn’t let anything slow her down. This is her story… see more images…
Shelby’s Story | Shelby’s heart abnormality was first diagnosed at 12 weeks pregnancy, in what was supposed to be a routine checkup. After seeing many specialists, it was discovered that her heart was twice the size of a normal heart and the doctor’s didn’t know why. Many doctors told their family repeatedly to expect the worse and that there was no chance Shelby would make it past birth. Immediately after birth, Shelby was raced to the NICU and diagnosed with multiple Congenital Heart Defects {CHD} consisting of, but not limited to, atrial septal defect {ASD}, ventricular septal defect {VSD}, absent pulmonary valve, transverse flow and pulmonary atresia.
At 6 months of age, she had her first major open heart surgery that resulted in her becoming pacemaker dependent due to nerve damage.
At the age of 2, she received her first artificial pulmonary valve.
Barely a year later, she developed a staph infection in that valve and it had to be replaced again.
In one of the images below, you will notice Shelby and her Mom holding some necklaces with colorful beads. These are Shelby’s Beads of Courage and every bead tells a story of strength, honor and hope commemorating milestones she has achieved along her treatment path. The Beads of Courage program is designed to support and strengthen children and families coping with serious illness.
All of Shelby’s heart complications have also contributed to many breathing complications including being diagnosed asthmatic and contracting respiratory syncytial virus {RSV} every year since birth.
By merely looking at Shelby, you would never know exactly how sick she truly is. Many miracles have come out of Shelby’s life story and journey. She is a testament of hope, answered prayers and an inspiration to all who meet her.
Last year Team Pipsqueak was formed to help raise funds and awareness of CHD as they joined forces with It’s My Heart, a non-profit organization. And this year, Shelby will be granted her wish to be a real princess for a week through the Make-A-Wish foundation to honor and celebrate her unfailing determination to be a ‘normal’ child.
Get Involved. Did you know? 1 out of every 100 babies are born each year with a CHD, making CHD the #1 birth defect worldwide. Nearly twice as many children die from CHD in the United States each year as from all forms of childhood cancers combined, it’s the #1 cause of birth defect related deaths worldwide. {Learn more facts} It’s My Heart needs support and volunteers to continually meet the needs of the CHD families and community. To learn more about how you can help support the cause please visit their website. And don’t forget to share this post using the social media buttons below to help bring awareness to Shelby’s story and these great organizations.
It’s My Heart {IMH} is a non-profit organization created to provide support to and advocate for those affected by Acquired and Congenital Heart Defects. Through awareness, resources, and education, IMH creates alliances and networks among families, groups, hospitals, and the community. IMH is found locally through chapters in communities across the country and exists solely through the generous donations of money, material, time, and services. Please consider getting involved in supporting those affected by the #1 birth defect.
Make-A-Wish grants the wish of a child diagnosed with a life-threatening medical condition in the United States and its territories, on average, every 38 minutes. We believe that a wish experience can be a game-changer. This one belief guides us. It inspires us to grant wishes that change the lives of the kids we serve. Visit the Make-A-Wish website to learn more.
Many thanks to Shelby and her family for sharing their story and to all of the supporters who have made these Love Capture Give ® donated sessions possible by purchasing sessions through Tressavent Photography.
it’s my heart | facebook | contact
make a wish | facebook | contact
tressavent photography | dallas, tx lifestyle & philanthropic photographer | tressa thomas| love capture give®