05/06/2026
"Born with a rare congenital heart defect, Transposition of the Great Vessels, I came into the world fighting. Just days after birth, I underwent the first of three open-heart surgeries at Lucile Packard Children’s Hospital, performed by Dr. Vaughn Starnes using the pioneering Jatene Procedure, a technique he had only completed successfully five times before.
Thirty years later, that same surgeon performed the very same life-saving procedure on Nikki DeLoach’s son, Bennett. Bennett had his first open heart surgery at five days old and has had two more surgeries since. From day one, his scar has been celebrated and he is so proud of it.
It’s hard to put into words what it means to share such a deeply personal, life-defining experience, not just with another heart warrior, but with a mother whose strength and vulnerability have moved so many. Our stories are decades apart, but connected by the same scar, the same surgeon, and the same hope.
I had never publicly shown my scar and was nervous to have it photographed. But the bravery of those who came forward for this campaign, including Bennett, inspired me. I’m proud to stand alongside them. Our scars, both physical and emotional, are not something to hide. They are proof that we survived and reminders that we are beautiful exactly as we are.”
Thank you to CHF volunteer, Traci Hays, for sharing these beautiful words! And thank you to Nikki DeLoach and Bennett for helping to spread awareness.
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