The most rewarding part is the opportunity to raise my baby into someone who will positively impact the world. It is an honor to get a chance to love him so intimately & watch him grow into an individual with his own characteristics, dreams, and tendencies. His smile makes the difficult things we have been through all worth it. I have realized, first-hand, how dependent children are; it has shifted my perspective on life in such a powerful way. The experience is truly the biggest blessing.

Being the mother of a child with Congenital Heart Disease has taught me that a healthy, "normal," life is not a given; it makes me grateful for every moment we have on this earth. Our days are not guaranteed, and life can be difficult, but we have to make the most of the hand we are dealt. The days & nights in the hospital made me realize how much selfishness I have in me. Motherhood has grown me in ways I would never have imagined; I now have more compassion, patience, and strength than ever.

I resonate with the mission of this competition; I want to give back. If I won the $20,000, I would give away a major portion to support children's hospitals around the nation. If my son hadn't had medical intervention, he wouldn't be alive today. I am so grateful for the care my child received. I want other families to have an opportunity to get good care. The rest of the money that we don't give away will be used to provide for our family, as we continue on this medical journey with our son.