When Gabriella G (GG) was 3 years old, she was diagnosed with a Congential Heart Defect called "Atrial Septal Defect" - basically a hole in the upper left chamber of her heart, which would require open heart surgery to repair and close. Our family was in shock, especially because GG had already undergone two eye surgeries to allow her to see in infancy. She was scheduled to undergo two more eye surgeries that year, when she was diagnosed with a CHD.
We explained to GG that she had a very special heart because she had so much love in it, and we found a wonderful doctor who would help fix her hole so all of the love did not fall out. She was very brave and without a tear, said "okay, Mommy, let's fix it."
In January of 2008 GG underwent successful open heart surgery at Connecticut Children's Medical Center in Hartford, CT. Our family is forever indebted to the wonderful surgeon, Dr. Dennis Mello, her cardiologist, Dr. Felice Heller, and the amazing staff nurses and child life specialists who helped her throughout her surgery and hospital stay.

GG's Story ....
GG is now 13 years old. She has a healthy and strong heart and full of life. She loves to hang out with her friends, swim, and dance. (Irish Step Dancing, Ballet, Jazz and Tap). We are very grateful to Connecticut Children's for all they have done for her, and as a way to say thank you our family hosts a town-wide "Ice Cream Scoop Night" each August around GG's birthday, with proceeds to benefit the Division of Cardiology. To date Scoop Night has $40,000 for the Division.
In 2013, GG decided she wanted to do something special for children, like her, who had a CHD and needed heart sugery. She asked if she could raise money and buy them teddy bears. Thus, "GG's Hearts" was founded. The bears are specially designed with a flat back, for children to hold against their chest when they cough during the recovery of heart surgery to keep their lungs clear. Each bear is funded solely on donations and wears a special t-shirt created by GG.
Her bears have been donated to children who are going through heart surgery at Connecticut Children's, Yale-New Haven Children's, Boston Children's and even Ghana! They have also been donated to Little Hearts, a non profit support group for families of children who have a heart issue.
Gabriella had the wonderful opportunity to
debut her teddy bears on Better Connecticut,
a local TV show. What a a fun morning!
Thanks to the wonderful responses and
donations to GG's Hearts, they are now
being given out to children undergoing heart
surgery at Connecticut Children's, Boston
Children's, Yale-New Haven Children's
Hospital and Maine Medical! Some have even
been sent to Ghana! If you know of a
child who might like to receive one,
please let us know!
Thank you so much for your thoughtful
donations, and helping GG's Hearts Teddy
Bears bring smiles to so many children!
