In 2010, what should have been one of the most exciting times of our lives quickly turned into one of the most terrifying. Our son Liam was born with a severe Congenital Heart Defect as well as other conditions, and the long-term consequences were unknown. We had to live each day as though it could be Liam's last... something no parent should ever have to think about. Thankfully, after a few years of surgeries, procedures, medications and hospitalizations, Liam is now a thriving 3 year old who is expected to make a full recovery. It was through our unique experience with Liam that we became painfully aware of the needs of other parents with chronically sick children.
This year, I am combining my passion for triathlons with the nonprofit charity Ride to Give for the 2014 Ironman Chattanooga Triathlon on September 28. Donations will be split between Ride to Give and the Walls family.

Ride To Give:
Ride to Give is a charitable non-profit organization devoted exclusively to helping sick children. The charitable donations will be used to help current and future children in need.
http://www.ridetogive.com 

Triston's Story:
If you haven't had the opportunity to follow his story, Triston Walls is an AMAZING 2 year old who has struggled with Pulmonary Vein Stenosis and Pulmonary Hypertension since birth. He's undergone countless open-heart surgeries, cardiac catheterizations, hospitalizations and other invasive procedures in order to survive. Triston's condition is so severe that he needs frequent life-saving medications/procedures and constant care (there is even a possibility he may need a double-lung transplant in the future). Due to Triston's unique needs, his mother (Carrie Walls) has had to leave her full-time job to care for him 24/7. This leaves all expenses related to Triston's care as well as traditional expenses related to having 3 children, on the shoulders of Triston's father (Chris Walls). Nobody would ever know the stress they're under or what this family has gone through as they continue to try and provide a "normal life" for all three boys with a sense of optimism that inspires everyone around them.

This family NEEDS our support. Your donations will give Triston the gift of having his mother by his side, caring for him and taking him to his countless doctor's appointments, procedures, lab visits, therapy visits, surgeries and more.  Another way to help is to share Triston's story with your friends, family and coworkers so that others can be aware of what our little Heart Hero needs. Follow Triston's page on Facebook:

https://www.facebook.com/prayersfortriston

 
In the end, Liam will hopefully lead a relatively normal childhood with little residual from his initial medical issues, but not every child is as lucky. We hope that you share our concern and desire to help those around us who are less fortunate by donating. With our utmost sincerity, my wife and I thank you for your time and efforts! 

**you can follow my adventures on my site at www.Tri4aHandUp.com.**