Submitted by the Bedford Children’s Center
Wednesday marks one year that the Johnson family gave all their faith and heart to Children’s Hospital Boston and the date when their daughter Sofia had her third life-saving surgery on her heart. Her first surgery was performed when Sofia was just three years old.
“Her heart never formed correctly so she only has half a heart,” says Sofia’s mom, Kathy Johnson. But little Sofia is all heart and soul thanks to the gifted hands of many surgeons and nurses and the unending love and strength of her parents.
Part of this strength comes from the support the family received through the Mended Little Hearts program https://www.littlehearts.org while at Children’s Hospital.
Mended Little Hearts is a national organization providing support, education, resources, networking, and hope to families affected by congenital heart defects. But its support of one of our community families will never be forgotten.
“It’s an honor to be able to be on the other end of the bravery bag program because it means we are alive and well enough to help those whose battles have not yet been determined,” says Johnson. Having relocated from Oregon to be close to the best care for Sofia, the Johnsons have found a family at Children’s Hospital and Mended Little Hearts to get them through the healing process.
Locally, “The Bedford Children’s Center community always is so supportive of their classmates. When Kathy told us about Mended Little Hearts it was clear who our charity should be this year, and the community went above and beyond” says Jillian Gerbrands, assistant director of BCC.
Sofia is now lighting up the PreK room of Bedford Children’s Center. A spunky, loving and kind little girl, she has set an example that teaches her classmates invaluable lessons.
Each year BCC celebrates Caring, Giving and Sharing in November and as part of that chooses a group to donate to, this year BCC chose Mended Little Hearts to honor the Johnson family. A representative from Mended Little Hearts came to BCC to pick up toys, activities and several gift cards to support the families going through their journey.
“Our hope is that we can honor Sofia and her family’s strength by supporting other families along the way,” said Daisy Girifalco, owner and president of BCC.
Mended Little Hearts is always in need of support and donations, should you feel moved to support them in any way click here: https://www.littlehearts.org .
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