Living and Thriving with Adult Congenital Heart Disease: Chris’ Story

When Chris first mentioned at 15 that he wanted to be a firefighter, many people were hesitant. They simply didn’t know of anyone else with congenital heart disease who had been a firefighter. But Chris was born to challenge conventional wisdom and break barriers. Now he says he wouldn’t be where he is — a firefighter living with adult congenital heart disease (ACHD) — without his team in Children’s Colorado’s Heart Institute.

When Chris was growing up, it was thought that kids with congenital heart disease shouldn’t be too active. Again, Chris challenged the prevailing guidance. With the help of his parents and Dr. Joseph Kay, Chris’ cardiologist and Director of our Adult Congenital Heart Disease Program, Chris was an incredibly active kid, which would benefit him and his heart throughout his life.

Learn how Chris feels about his adult congenital heart disease treatment at Children’s Colorado, the bond he formed with Dr. Kay and his other caregivers and how he can impact future generations of adults with congenital heart disease. And see how Dr. Kay feels Chris helped evolve our team’s understanding of care for adult congenital heart disease.

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