03/25/2026
On this we're sharing Eli's story. He shares his journey with us below.
"My story began in a way no one expected. I was born in Taipei, Taiwan. Not long after I was born, my body started to struggle. I became cold, my color began to change, and breathing didn’t come easily. While others thought everything was fine, one doctor listened closely and knew something wasn’t right. Within hours, I was fighting for my life.
A medical team rushed me to National Taiwan University Hospital, where doctors discovered I had a congenital heart condition called Transposition of the Great Arteries, along with coarctation of the pulmonary artery.
At just one day old, I underwent a nine hour open heart surgery.
The first few weeks of my life were spent in the ICU. I was surrounded by doctors, machines, and constant care. My family could only visit me during certain hours, waiting and hoping as I fought to recover.
Eventually, I grew strong enough to go home, but my journey was just beginning.
My early months were filled with medications, checkups, and careful monitoring. There were moments of uncertainty, but also moments of steady progress. At six months old, I had another cardiac catheterization, and my doctors continued to watch my heart closely as I grew.
Recently, I had another cardiac catheterization to better understand the pressure in my heart. At first, doctors thought it might be caused by scar tissue. Instead, they found extra tissue in my pulmonary artery. The good news is that my heart can likely stay as it is for now, strong and stable without needing immediate intervention.
Today, I’m thriving. I love musical theater, history, singing, video games, and pretty much all the things teenage boys like to do.
You might not know everything my heart has been through just by looking at me. I run, workout, and live life like any other kid. The only visible reminder is a scar on my chest, a symbol of everything I’ve overcome.
My heart may be different, but it is strong. And my story is still being written." ❤
