The Kids
The kids are the heart of Manheim's Heart to Hearts program. It is because of them why we strive to make the Michael P. Fisher CICU the best unit in the world. Please take a few minutes to get to know the children that motivate us to be better people and to make the world a better place.
Arjun Chopra
Marietta, GA
Born with the transposition of the big arteries, Ventricular Septal Defect (VSD) and pulmonary stenosis, Arjun was brought to the Michael P. Fisher CICU just hours after birth, where he stayed for nine days. His condition continued to be monitored by the Sibley Heart Center doctors until he was 18 months old, when he had open heart surgery. Arjun looks forward to attending Camp Braveheart every year and hanging out with the friends he has made as a camper the last four years.
Alex Aaron
Suwanee, GA
Alex doesn't just tread water, he goes for the gold! Although always active, Alex used to tire very easily and had trouble keeping up with his friends. At age 6, he was diagnosed with a sinus venosus atrial septal defect with a pulmonary vein anomaly and had surgery at the Children's Healthcare of Atlanta Sibley Heart Center. Alex is now unstoppable. With the goal of becoming an Olympic swimmer, he now swims and trains year round. Alex also enjoys playing the guitar and attending Camp Braveheart.
Emily Ann Fish
Jasper, GA
Emily is a pet's best pal and may be a veterinarian one day! At birth, Emily was diagnosed with single ventricle and pulmonary stenosis. She was a frequent visitor to the Children's Healthcare of Atlanta Michael P. Fisher Cardiac Intensive Care Unit and the Children's Sibley Heart Center, receiving treatment at 1 week, 2 weeks, 7 months, 8 months, 16 months and 2 years old.
Greyson Graham
Milledgeville, GA
Greyson wants to work in the treetops, just like his dad. Diagnosed with sick sinus syndrome and an atrioventricular block, Greyson received a pacemaker on his sixth birthday, after playing nearly all day and losing consciousness due to his condition. Greyson was a trooper during his time at the Children's Healthcare of Atlanta Sibley Heart Center and loves going back for his pacemaker check-ups. He is very proud of his "heart battery" and doesn't mind showing it off!
Cory Scott Logan
Newnan, GA
For Cory, life has been like a roller coaster ride. Born with hypoplastic left heart syndrome, Cory had his first heart surgery at 5 days old, his second at 9 months old and his third at age 2. Now, Cory enjoys Camp Braveheart, the Kids at Heart program events, reading, learning about animals and nature, and figuring out how things work. He creates roller coasters on the computer, likes the movies Alien and Alien vs. Predator, and enjoys gardening and taking care of his pets-especially his chickens. Cory is becoming a "chicken whisperer!"
Cole Mulkey
Stockbridge, GA
Lights, camera, action! Cole underwent three open-heart surgeries before age 2 for hypoplastic left heart syndrome and transposition of the great arteries. At age 5, he received a pacemaker for arrhythmia and sick sinus syndrome. Now, Cole loves to make people laugh, and enjoys reading, playing on the computer and playing baseball in Henry County's Sunshine League. Watch for Cole coming soon in a movie theater near you!
Victoria Naile
Douglasville, GA
Performing the lead role in "Swan Lake," Victoria Naile! Victoria was diagnosed prenatally with transposition of the great arteries, a large ventricular septal defect and pulmonary stenosis. She underwent a Fontan procedure, or heart surgeries to redirect blood flow, as well as several heart catheterizations. This first grader is a great reader and an inquisitive student. Her interests include gardening, her pet bunny named London and art. Last year, Victoria completed her first year of ballet class and won a trophy at her recital.
Bianca Salazar
Doraville, GA
Paging Dr. Bianca! At birth, Bianca was diagnosed with a ventricular septal defect and double-chambered right ventricle. After regular check-ups with her pediatric cardiologist to monitor her health and heart condition, Bianca had both defects treated this year at the Children's Healthcare of Atlanta Sibley Heart Center. Inspired by her stay in the Children's Michael P. Fischer Cardiac Intensive Care Unit, Bianca wants to become a doctor at Children's so she can help other kids like her.
Shaelyn Simoneau
Kathleen, GA
Meet the next Dr. Doolittle. Shaelyn has several complex congenital heart defects, including hypoplastic right heart syndrome, atrioventricular canal defect, Wolff-Parkinson-White syndrome, heart block, and patent ductus arteriosus. She had two surgeries, radiofrequency ablations and has a pacemaker. Shaelyn takes piano lessons, collects stuffed animals, loves to swim and enjoys sleepovers with her cousin Kaylyn. Already doing her research to become a veterinarian; she currently has fish, hermit crabs, a cat and a dog as pets, and she loves all types of animals.
Rachel Waldrop
Flovilla, GA
Rachel's story of courage and determination is nothing short of award-winning. Born with hypoplastic left heart syndrome, she underwent three operations by age 2. Testing at the top of her class, Rachel's favorite school subject is reading/writing, and she also loves physical education class. She has a big heart for animals and wants one of every kind, especially a dog. Rachel's favorite TV show is "The Greatest American Dog," and she hopes to train and compete in dog shows someday.
