Caleb is thought of as a young man who is honest, values integrity and is always looking to the interest of others. These admirable traits have proved him as a valued servant in various church programs. Caleb aspires to be a Physical Therapist where he can help to improve the wellbeing of children and intends to be involved in charitable work in some capacity. We wish him all the success as he begins his studies at Rutgers in the fall of 2022.

Involvement in the annual CHD Coalition Walk for Hope changed Emma's outlook on her health as she met other children with a congenital heart defect; through her participation she discovered a caring and compassionate community. She is described as both kind hearted and determined -- a young woman who will achieve whatever goals she sets. Emma will attend NJIT in the fall of 2022 and plans to study to become an architect. She hopes to infuse her passion for the environment and sustainability within her career.

Sam has a unique perspective on life that has resulted in incredible compassion and empathy for others. At the age of 8 Sam underwent a heart transplant and since then has become both a powerful voice for organ donation (NJ Sharing Network) as well as a huge fundraiser for the cause. Sam will study sports communication at Rowan University and aspires to be a sports broadcaster. (If you watched the 2022 NFL draft you would have seen Sam announce the Giant's 1st pick - impressive!)

Bobby has overcome a lot of obstacles and realized at a young age that he needed to work harder than others -- at a lot of things. But that does not stop him. Bobby sees his heart defect as a way to motivate others. He is an avid hiker having completed (so far), 5 of the 14 states of the Appalachian trail. Check out Bobby's YouTube channel...Bobby Zabarsky, where he talks openly about his medical challenges and hiking with a half a heart. We wish Bobby all the best as he attends Middlesex Community College in the fall of 2022 where he plans to study technology as a teaching tool.

Angela has a passion for math and teaching, and plans to receive both a Bachelor's and Master's degree from Long Island University to pursue a career as a high school teacher (inspired by her Dad, a high school math teacher for 21 years). Angela has been giving back to the CHD community as a participant in a Long Island Congenital Heart Walk Team, Angela's Amazing Angels. Each year she continues to expand her team, raising both awareness and money. Angela aspires to make a difference in the lives of people who have a congenital heart disease just like her.

Daniel, a founding member of the CHD Coalition as just a toddler, has volunteered in many ways throughout the past 5+ years. Whether he was helping hand out prizes at the Tricky Tray, or assisting with set-up/clean-up at the annual CHD Coalition Awareness Walk, Daniel is always willing to help support the cause. We thank him for his many contributions! He is described as an intelligent, inquisitive and dedicated student who is eager to learn; traits that will serve him well as he attends Seton Hall University in the fall of 2021.

Because of a strong support system of friends and family, Hannah knows she has the resilience, courage, and strength to endure whatever life throws at her. Hannah enjoys teaching Martial Arts to young children; she is described as a true leader and destined for greatness. She will be pursuing her college education at New York University in the fall of 2021 with an open mind, ready for whatever new opportunities or experiences come her way.

Kira involves herself in community service because she loves to serve and is currently working towards the very significant achievement of earning the Girl Scout Gold Award. She will be attending undergraduate school at SUNY Binghamton University to study political science and psychology; she hopes to become a District Attorney one day. Kira believes in celebrating challenges she endures.

With a passion for engineering, Kevin was not just a leader on his school Robotics team -- but also volunteered serving as a role model and inspiration for younger students by sharing his knowledge and enthusiasm. He is a true leader, always willing to help others and is described as someone who “will make the community around him a better place.” These traits will serve him well as he studies Mechanical Engineering at Drexel University in the fall of 2020.

Positive, optimistic and inspirational. These are just 3 of the words used to describe Zachary who has worked hard for all that he has accomplished. He has studied Tae Kwon Do for 13 years (is now a second-degree black belt) and instructs young children to learn the same discipline he now possesses. We wish Zachary all the best as he attends The College of New Jersey in the fall of 2020, where he will study Biomedical Engineering in hopes of developing technology that will help others live longer and healthier lives.

Intelligent, insightful and caring. Those are just 3 words used to describe Giulia, but so much more could be said of her giving nature as demonstrated through her annual journal drive. Over the past 5 years, Giulia has collected more than one thousand journals that are inserted into the CHD Coalition Heart Bags that are provided to patients during a hospital stay. We are grateful for her ongoing support and wish her success as she begins her studies at the University of Rhode Island in the fall of 2019.

Holley has overcome many challenges so far– and has done so with extreme bravery, strength and a big heart. These traits will serve her well in the future as she pursues a career as an elementary teacher. Holley is full of potential and enthusiasm and we wish her all the best as she attends Montclair State University in the fall of 2019.

With a passion for math and science, Joseph aspires to become a leading Astrophysicist -- and to one day, make a change in the world! Joseph will be studying at Suffolk Community College in fall 2019 and plans to transition to Stony Brook sophomore year through a school co-op program. With his excellent work ethic, strong ability and great promise he has all the tools in place to succeed! We wish him all the best in his future endeavors.

Having a heart defect did not curtail Nicholas from following his passion for baseball. Although he was unable to compete at the high school varsity level, Nicholas enjoyed playing with a local club team throughout high school. In the future, he hopes to make a difference in the lives of children and families with a CHD. Nicholas is full of potential and drive which will serve him well as he attends Sacred Heart University in the fall of 2018.

Jenna has a huge appreciation for the medical staff that has cared for her over the years, and as a result, will be attending the nursing program at Widener University in the fall of 2018. She aspires to provide not just medical care -- but hope and inspiration to her future patients. Jenna has been incredibly involved in her school and home community, as well as holding a part-time job. She balances her many commitments with ease and grace.

Helping people is something that comes naturally to JonMikal, whether it was in the classroom or as an EMT volunteer where he has served over 100 hours in the local community. He has participated in the CHD Coalition’s Annual Walk to help raise awareness and funds for research. JonMikal is self-motivated and has excellent leadership abilities. These are traits that will serve him well as he attends Montclair State University in the fall of 2018.

Although Karolina does not remember her open heart surgery performed at 8 months old, she has the scars to remind her that she is a CHD warrior. Since the age of seven Karolina has attended Hope With Heart camp and it was here that she felt both safe and comforted; it was because of this experience that she gained the confidence that she exudes today. Karolina now looks forward to being a counselor and giving back to younger CHD warriors in the ways that she received support for over 10 years at camp. She is passionate about spreading awareness for CHDs and supporting those affected with a congenital heart defect including volunteering at the Annual CHD Coalition Awareness Walk.

Karolina is fluent in Polish and has a great love for dance. She sets high standards for herself and achieves them, as demonstrated by placement on both Honor Roll and President’s List at her high school. We wish Karolina all the best as she attends Montclair State University in the fall of 2017.

Emily, born with aortic stenosis, underwent two heart surgeries by the age of seven -- the latter to replace a heart valve. She states that her heart condition shapes who she is today including her very positive outlook on life. For over 10 years, Emily has eagerly volunteered at the National Congenital Heart Defect Awareness Day at Morristown Medical Center. She has also attended and volunteered at the Annual CHD Coalition Awareness Walk, and she is a mentor through the Big Brothers Big Sisters Foundation. Emily is described as “genuinely caring and someone who wants to make a positive impact wherever she can.”

Emily loves volleyball and writing. She plans to study genetics and hopes to pursue a career in the medical field. We wish her all the best as she attends Rutgers University in the fall of 2017.

Travis Howie was born March, 1998 with Hypoplastic Left Heart Syndrome. With a passion for sports Travis understands his physical limitations and has channeled this passion into volunteer activities related to sports in his community and school. Most recently, he gladly accepted the role of Team Manager of the high school varsity baseball team and was thrilled to support the team and coach. Although he has daily reminders of his defect with medications and his scar, Travis says “…it does not stop me; it does not define me either.”

Travis is a young man with strong character and an inspiration to others. He has a passion for nature and the outdoors and has been involved in Future Farmers of America, the school Yearbook and is in the National Honor Society. He is described as someone who brings joy to others and is just “plain likable.” He will be attending Sussex County Community college in the fall.

Michael Moroski was diagnosed with several different congenital heart defects in July, 1998. Faced with physical limitations and developmental delays, he has overcome many challenges. According to Michael, he was “determined to have a successful school and life experience. And I did just that!” He has made an impactful contribution by combining his passion for film production and his love of sports. As Team Manager of the high school baseball team, Michael filmed players to help them with their dreams beyond high school in hopes that they can get their own scholarships. Check out the documentary that he produced about his heart condition at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TGGFulQHnoM!

Michael was an active and proud participant in several school clubs and has been inducted into the National Honor Society. Volunteer activities outside of school include Special Olympics and a challenger basketball program that assists children with special needs. With a passion for the discipline and art of Karate, Michael trained in non contact Karate since the age of 3 and recently earned his fourth degree black belt. “My health issues may dictate what I do, but I will not allow them to dictate who I am,” says Michael. We wish him all the best this fall as he attends Rowan University.

Katelyn Farrell has never kept her heart defect a secret. Rather, she “embraces it and uses it to help others” deciding to share her story to spread awareness. Described as a kind, compassionate and enthusiastic individual she gives back to the community in many ways. Katelyn is an avid participant in volunteer activities including Operation Goody Bag, Community Blood Drives and the Annual CHD Coalition Awareness Walk.

Katelyn had been active in school plays and musicals where her enthusiasm and dedication made her both a key contributor and mentor for younger performers. She enriches the lives of those around her which will serve her well as she pursues a career in Social Work. She recently graduated from Paramus High School and will be attending Ramapo College in the fall. We wish her all the best as she continues to make the world a better place.

Mature and compassionate, with a love of volunteering, Olivia Seeney has contributed to the community helping both the young and old. She volunteered at an Assisted Living Facility, Meals on Wheels, Vacation Bible School and organized volunteers for a Clean Communities Program.

Olivia is grateful for the support and encouragement of her family who have instilled a love of learning. Having been told by a doctor to expect that Olivia would have learning delays, she has found that the challenges she faces due to her CHD makes her even more ambitious – and she set lofty academic goals. Olivia took on aggressive coursework where she recently not only graduated from Salem County Vocational and Technical High School but also earned her Associate’s degree from Salem Community College. We wish her all the best as she sets off to Regent University in Virginia this coming fall.

Melissa Frank was born in January 1992 with several heart complications (Sub Aortic Stenosis, Mitral Valve Stenosis, VSD, Coarctation of the Aorta, and Heart Block). By the time she was 6 years old, she was living with a pacemaker and realized she had some unique challenges compared to her friends. Although her heart condition prevented her from playing basketball at a competitive level, she has continued to be a basketball enthusiast and an active part of the sport as a trained referee. Melissa faces challenges, uncertainty, and even fear, head on. She has a positive attitude and "strives to be a living example that a medical misfortune can only dictate your life if you allow it to."

Melissa is bright, motivated, and very involved in community activities. She recently graduated from Randolph High School in New Jersey and will be attending Quinnipiac University in the fall. We wish her all the best as she pursues a career in medical rehabilitation.

Marissa Mendoza was born in 1996 and underwent 3 complex heart surgeries by the time she was 2 years old to repair several heart defects (Transposition of the Great Arteries, VSD, and Ventricular Inversion). Since she was just 4 years old, Marissa has had a passion for soccer; after all, it was in her blood - her Grandpa played in the World Cup and in the Olympics. At the age of 12 she was faced with the reality that she could no longer play competitive soccer and soon channeled her talents into theater and music. But it is her extensive volunteer work with Big Brothers Big Sisters that is so rewarding for Marissa, and beneficial to that organization. Due to her hard work and creativity, they have increased both members and the number of "littles" that have benefited from the program.

Marissa is self-motivated, conscientious, and caring. She recently graduated from Burlington Township High School in New Jersey and will be attending The College of New Jersey this coming fall. We wish her all the best as she pursues a career in nursing, where according to her, she will "strive to achieve success in making others happy and healthy."