1.  Congenital heart defects are the #1 birth defect worldwide.

When my wife was 18 weeks pregnant with her, we found out that my daughter, Babs, had a heart defect.  I knew nothing about CHDs at the time, but now I know that 1 of 100 babies has a CHD, and awareness is a necessity.

2.  My daughter is the strongest person that I know.

Babs survived open-heart surgery at three days old.  She’s tough, she’s funny, and she likes to sing.  She is one strong fighting Irish girl.

3.  I’m stronger having known my daughter.

Once I realized the strength that my daughter has, I had no choice to become stronger.  Now I do pushups, sit-ups, and jumping jacks every day.

4.  Become fearless.

There is nothing more scary than standing in your 3 day old daughter’s hospital room when she flatlines.  Everything stopped.  Then doctors, chest compressions, and oxygen brought her back.  After witnessing this, I realized that I can do anything.  I’m now fearless in every aspect of my life.  Nothing is as scary as what we have already experienced.

5.  Doctors and nurses are heroes.

They diagnosed my daughter.  They performed open-heart surgery on her.  They saved her life.  Thanks to all of the doctors and nurses out there who care to CHD kids every day.  You are our heroes.

6.  I married the right girl.

My wife and I actually became closer after going through this heart-breaking situation.  With Lucy as my partner in crime, we can make it through anything.

7.  Scars are cool.

Yep, Babs has a scar proving she’s a CHD heart surgery survivor.  She would be cool even without the scar, but with it…she is a bad-ass.

8.  The worldwide CHD community is awesome.

We have had hundreds of people reach out to us, who have gone through similar struggles.  We have made friends who we never would have known if Babs didn’t have a CHD.  What was our biggest nightmare has in some unexpected ways, become a blessing.

9.  Appreciation. 

When our new baby is crying all night, we’re happy that he is healthy.  When Babs, who is entering her terrible twos, is moody, we’re thankful that she’s with us.  We appreciate the little things.  And regardless of what changes in my life, I’ll always appreciate Cheez-Its.

10.  Raising money for charity can be fun.

Since my daughter is a CHD survivor, my wife and I have found a cause to fundraise for.  And fundraising can be creative and fun!  For instance, sign up for a Man Cave (user profile) on Life of Dad today, and Ralph’s Grocery Store will donate $1 to Children’s Hospital Los Angeles’ Heart Institute, where Babs survived her surgery.