Welcome to my journey with Brave Hearts Children’s Network Inc., a story of love, resilience, and hope. Taking roots in New Salem, North Dakota, where I grew up facing my own battles with a congenital heart defect, this journey emerged in 2019 with a dream and officially became a 501(c)(3) nonprofit in January 2026. As both a heart patient and a heart mom to a vibrant 7-year-old first grader, I bring personal insights from multiple perspectives to our mission.

My journey isn't one of extraordinary beginnings, but rather of an average person with a profound dream. By day, I serve and tend bar, and I am also part of the marketing committee for DSN. This mission has been shaped by personal loss—my stepbrother, my best friend, my mom, both grandmas, dad, and my aunt Shannon have all had immeasurable roles in guiding me here. Their inspiration and support paved the way for our accomplishments, with Shannon's memory forever weaving the Waylon Jennings theme through our journey.

Experiencing the joy of expecting my child swiftly turned to anxiety upon learning her heart was not developing properly. This fear of labels and lifelong medical stress pushed me, as it does so many others, to find a way for families to move beyond mere survival. Facing this as a potential reality, I recognized the weight of a pediatric heart diagnosis on the entire family's well-being. In response, we provide local, community-driven support for Heart Warriors and their families in North Dakota.

In 2019, I created the North Dakota Heart Warrior T-shirts, an unexpected yet powerful community advocacy and fundraising initiative. These shirts not only honor local CHD "heart warriors" but also demonstrate the collective spirit of tackling immense challenges together.

The driving force behind our network is the shared journeys of families dealing with congenital heart defects. By 2026, we recognized we weren't alone, and this led to the creation of a platform for solace, support, and advocacy. Our mission is to offer unwavering support, fostering a compassionate community turning struggles into strength, and ensuring no family navigates this path alone.

CHD, being the most common birth defect yet underfunded and under-researched, makes my daughter’s journey all the more relatable. In North Dakota alone, there are about 7,800 individuals living with congenital heart defects. This statistic, along with the emotional landscapes we've navigated during Malia's journey, drives my focus towards a brighter future—as realized in her story where interventions and incredible resilience play a continuous role.

Living with CHD is ongoing; my daughter’s strength, shown through her recovery from surgeries like the one in 2024, exemplifies the boundless courage of a North Dakota Heart Warrior. These personal narratives—which touch upon themes of delicate life and resilient spirits—reaffirm our dedication to finding better ways to support those living with these challenges.

Thank you for being part of this mission, as we honor these stories and commit to ensuring every child and family receives unwavering support, advocacy, and love.