Meet Riley

Child's Diagnosis: Pulmonary Hypertension

Has Kerrington’s Heart impacted your journey? If so, how?: Kerrington's Heart has allowed us to meet other families that deal with heart issues on a daily basis. It can be a lonely time when others don't understand the trials you go through as a heart family. Kerrington's Heart has been amazing and very welcoming to us.

What’s one thing you wish you’d been told at the beginning of your journey?: I wish we had been told about groups like Kerrington's Heart.

What’s one word you would use to describe your journey and why?: Whirlwind... There have been so many ups and downs with our journey and it was so unexpected as most people would agree. I feel very blessed to finally be where we are now.

Please share a little bit about your story:: Riley was always a healthy child or so we though except for the normal sickness that most kids get. She did tend to deal with run of the mill viruses a little harder than other kids her age. Riley was diagnosed at age 4 because she was becoming out of breath with activity. After an echo, we were referred to Cincinnati Children's to see a Pulmonary Hypertension specialist. It was terrifying. Riley's PH causes the right ventricle to of the heart to dilate. This can cause heart failure. Due to the pressures in her heart, she endures 24/7 IV medication but doesn't let any of it get her down. She has also been through many procedures and heart catheterizations and will continue to have to go through these for the rest of her life. She is now 7 years old and she is absolutely my hero. It's amazing to see how resilient a child can be. She inspires me to keep going every day and to give back to others.