Heart Garden

As a newborn, Piper was diagnosed with a rare heart defect by the name of Tetralogy of Fallot (TOF) that typically causes a bluish coloration of the skin caused by low blood oxygen levels (cyanosis). Even with her condition, she was a ‘pink baby’ and that allowed her to grow a bit before her needed surgery. At the age of 6 weeks, she underwent open heart surgery to repair her walnut-sized heart. Today, Piper is a CHOC success story and lives her life as a typical 11-year-old, softball-playing 5th grader. Piper and her family are grateful for the ongoing care of the remarkable CHOC cardiology and cardiovascular team! This beautiful masterpiece, Heart Garden was created by Piper with the help of art mentor Angie Balius.