Babiators is a proud Life Is Why™ supporter. For all products sold from February 7, 2026 to February 14, 2026, Babiators will donate 10% of the purchase price to the American Heart Association’s Life Is Why™ Campaign. You can also donate directly here.
Community Spotlight: Lilly & The American Heart Association
Meet Lilly: a bubbly and witty 5-year-old whose journey as a heart warrior has inspired everyone around her. From a challenging start with Heterotaxy Syndrome to thriving milestones today, Lilly shows resilience, bravery, and joy every single day.
Keep reading to learn more!
Lilly's Diagnosis
Kelly and her husband first learned about Lilly’s heart condition at a 20-week anatomy scan. After hearing the news that they were expecting a girl, they were told, “We’re seeing abnormalities with your baby’s heart.” Over the coming months, Kelly attended numerous appointments on her own due to pandemic restrictions, preparing for the journey ahead.
Lilly was born full-term at 39 weeks and spent a few days in the NICU. At just 6 months old, she was hospitalized and diagnosed with Heterotaxy Syndrome, requiring a g-tube feeding tube. By 9 months, she underwent open heart surgery—a major milestone that marked the beginning of her thriving journey. Just three weeks after surgery, Lilly began crawling for the first time.
What Is Heterodoxy Syndrome?
Heterotaxy Syndrome is a rare congenital condition where the internal organs are abnormally arranged. Children with this condition often require specialized cardiac care and may undergo multiple surgeries. It’s just one example of the many forms of congenital heart disease affecting kids worldwide.
To learn more about congenital heart conditions, click here.
Lilly's Journey
Following her surgery, Lilly began hitting milestones that had previously seemed uncertain. She transitioned from frequent hospital appointments to once-a-year cardiology checkups—and now continues to be closely monitored for a pacemaker. Despite occasional breaks during play, Lilly’s outgoing personality shines, and she doesn’t let her heart condition slow her down.
Kelly shares, “The hardest part is watching her go through tests and appointments, knowing we can’t take it away—but Lilly has taught us to keep going and not let hard days define us.”
Every Day Lilly Shines
Lilly’s resilience is evident in her daily life. Before cardiology appointments or removing her sticky heart monitor, she may get upset—but she wipes her tears and tells herself, “I am brave,” before facing whatever comes next.
In addition to thriving in her own milestones, Lilly is a voice for other children with congenital heart disease. She proudly tells others, “I have a special heart!” and celebrates Heartiversaries each year on July 1, marking her surgery milestones and progress.
At just five years old, Lilly’s courage, joy, and determination are inspiring families everywhere—and reminding us all what it means to shine every day.
A special thank you to Kelly and Lilly for sharing their story!
About The American Heart Association
The American Heart Association has been fighting heart disease and stroke, striving to save and improve lives since 1924, making it the nation's oldest and largest volunteer organization dedicated to cardiovascular health.
With over 35 million volunteers and 2,900 employees, their size, scope, and passion for saving lives allow them to have a real impact. The American Heart Association has invested over $5 billion in research — they're the largest not-for-profit funding source for cardiovascular and cerebrovascular disease research next to the federal government. To learn more about The American Heart Association, visit here.
About The Every Day We Shine Project
At Babiators, our core mission is, and always will be, to protect, inspire, and support kids and parents so they can live healthier, more joyful lives. We’re so excited to bring to life a project that we feel rings true to this, and one that we hold especially near and dear to our hearts: The Every Day We Shine Project.
Throughout this series, we will be featuring little ones who aren’t afraid to let their light shine bright and are already making a big impact on the world around them. By sharing their stories, we hope to help inspire our global community and support these children, their families, and others who may have shared experiences.
Resources
For heart-related resources, including tips for a healthier lifestyle, recipes, and more, please visit The American Heart Association.