Helping hearts with Hayden in mind.
Hayden's Story
Hayden Chase Whitaker was born on October 3, 2017 at Northside Hospital in Atlanta, GA. Weighing in at 6 lbs./11ozs., he entered the world in true warrior spirit. He was alert, vocal, and he was not blue like many babies with CHD are at birth. Hayden was transferred to Egleston Children’s Hospital, just a few hours following his birth, where he spent the remainder of his life.
Hayden was born with a single-ventricle CHD -- Hypoplastic Right Heart Syndrome. In addition, he was also diagnosed with Pulmonary Atresia and Right-Ventricle Dependent Coronary Circulation. The normal course of treatment for most single ventricle CHDs consists of three open-heart surgeries. However, due to Hayden’s coronary artery anomaly, he was not a candidate for these procedures. Instead, he was listed for a heart transplant at just five weeks old.
Hayden suffered three cardiac arrest episodes, underwent several procedures, and required intubation over four times before he reached two months old. Through it all, he was a fighter! His little personality was so spunky, and he stole many hearts with his indelible charm. He exuded strength beyond his knowing, and his journey challenged others to appreciate life.
Though Hayden succumbed to his CHD on December 4, 2017, this is not where his story ends. Hayden touched more people in two months than some do in a lifetime—to know him is to love him. HFH is dedicated to keeping Hayden’s memory alive while helping others who are also affected by CHD.
Rest easy, sweet boy!
