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Date: 7/5/2022
SPRINGFIELD – The annual Eversource Walk for Boston Children’s Hospital places a spotlight on the pediatric hospital’s services. For 11-year-old Springfield native, Sofia, taking part in the charity drive comes with additional significance.
Sofia’s journey
Sofia was born with a heart condition that narrowed her heart’s main artery. To address the discovery, Sofia endured her first surgery at Boston Children’s Hospital at four-days-old. She then returned to Boston Children’s at 16 months old for an open-heart surgery that removed scar tissue causing resistance in her heart.
Sofia and her mother Jennifer detailed the full extent of their journey. Jennifer explained that the discovery of Sofia’s condition came right before her birth at a local medical center.
“When they came in the room, they said that ‘one side of her heart was larger than the other side.’ They couldn’t tell why, but they knew that we needed to have follow-up. As new parents to be, that was a very overwhelming thing to hear with such an important body organ,” said Jennifer in an interview with Reminder Publishing.
Jennifer explained that the advice of Boston Children’s Hospital gave her family “immediate guidance” on the issue. The hospital arraigned for Jennifer to give birth at Brigham and Women’s Hospital so Sofia could receive immediate medical attention at Boston Children’s intensive care unit for cardiac children. Soon after her birth, Sofia’s family received the diagnosis of her heart condition.
Jennifer and her husband remained by Sofia’s side during the challenging process. During that time, Boston Children’s provided housing and care services as Sofia’s parents remained near the hospital for 31-days during the first surgery. Both surgeries presented setbacks that kept Sofia admitted for longer than expected.
“We had the experience of staying by her side for that whole journey…When you have a baby that small, [Boston Children’s] is treating the parents as well as the children because it was a hard time,” said Jennifer.
Sofia is now living without significant medical concern. Jennifer shared that Sofia follows up with her cardiologist twice a year while also participating in a cardiac fitness program over the summer. Their experiences throughout the surgical process inspired a deeper connection to Boston Children’s Hospital and their efforts.
“We are so grateful to have Boston Children’s two hours away…We became very passionate about it because of what we saw happening while we were there,” said Jennifer.
Boston Children’s annual walk
Sofia and her family participate in the Boston Children’s charity walk every year since her birth. In the aftermath of this year’s walk on June 12, Sofia explained that her undertaking of the charitable endeavor remains a rewarding experience.
“It’s always been great. There’s just such amazing people there and it’s generally a really positive experience to go to. To have the time to do it, is really amazing,” said Sofia in an interview with Reminder Publishing.
Sofia now serves as the co-captain of her charity team and is considered a “miracle maker” for raising $500 or more in each of the last two years.
Jennifer considers the annual tradition a “family day” that often includes several of Sofia’s friends and family members. She also noted the “positive energy” emanating from the walk, with several other families who endured similar experiences at Boston Children’s Hospital gathering for the event.
“It’s a unique experience, because you know everybody is there for their own reason. But it’s [also] this is bonding experience, because you know everybody there that day has their own story…For us, it’s a celebration of Sofia and all that she is because of Boston Children’s,” said Jennifer.
Jennifer also discussed the importance of participating in the walk as a reflection of what Boston Children’s Hospital provided for her family. Along with the hospital’s extensive research, she stressed the importance of raising funds for events, like birthdays and Christmas gifts during the holiday season, that help reinforce a sense of normalcy during challenging times.
Boston Children’s Associate Director of Donor Relations for the Patient Family Ambassador Program Hannah Bray discussed her role working in the annual walk. She explained that funds from the walk aid the hospital’s Every Child Fund, which serves as the central catalyst for providing patient services.
This year’s walk took place both in-person and virtually. The multi-faceted approach allowed participants to raise a cumulative total of $1.17 million.
Bray said the walk continues to be an “incredible experience.”
“We have such amazing families. Every family I meet has something new and exciting to share…It’s amazing to see how strong and brave our families are,” said Bray in an interview with Reminder Publishing.
Readers interested in learning more about the Eversource Walk for Boston Children’s Hospital can visit https://secure.childrenshospital.org/site/TR/Walk/Walk?pg=entry&fr_id=2200.