Lapeer area family brings awareness to congenital heart defect D-TGA
LAPEER, Mich. — Warrior Grip Fitness is a small business we started in honor of our son, Jack Morgan. Jack passed away during heart surgery at three weeks old. He was born with a Congenital Heart Defect called D-TGA (Dextro – Transposition of the Great Arteries). We found out about the heart condition at twenty-six weeks pregnant. Within three minutes of being born Jack was rushed off to his first surgery. After the initial surgery, he was monitored for three days to make sure he was strong enough for his major open heart surgery. Doctors told us most babies that have heart defects, their condition can change every day, Jack was every hour.
He had a procedure done every day for over a week. He spent the rest of his three weeks heavily sedated while the doctors and nurses tried everything they could to fix his heart. Our routine while at C.S. Mott Children’s Hospital became the same thing every day. We stayed in a hotel ten minutes away. We would be at the hospital before seven in the morning so we could listen to what the doctors had to say on their first rounds. We would spend the rest of the day sitting with Jack, and talking to the nurses, about what the new plan was. They tried everything that they could and we had the best group of nurses, doctors, and surgeons. Despite all of their efforts, they were not able to fix his heart and he passed away exactly three weeks after being born.
When we found out about his heart condition the support from people was overwhelming. Jack’s grandpa is part of the Davison Eagles, who decided to host a fundraiser in support of Jack. Between their support, and the support of our families, we were able to stay in Ann Arbor for the entire time. That is what led us to start our company.
We instantly knew we wanted Jack’s story to live on and for people to remember him. We tossed around a few ideas when trying to come up with a name for our business. One day when we got to the hospital the nurse had used tape for his breathing tube that said the word warrior on it. When we saw that, we were reminded how strong Jack was as well as all of the other babies. Grip comes from when Jack would always hold our finger so tight when we touched his hand. Fitness is what helped me get through it all. I would go to the hotel gym after leaving the hospital every night to decompress. Fitness has continued to be my source of therapy.
We are working to support families the way we were supported, while also spreading awareness of Congenital Heart Defects. During local CrossFit and running events we set up our booth, tell Jack’s story, educate, and sell apparel. A portion of each sale will be donated directly to Conquering CHD – Michigan. The rest of the money is used to keep the business sustainable and sponsor the next events. Our goal is to eventually host our own fitness/running events as fundraisers for local families, just like what was done for us. At the end of the day, this is how we want Jack to be remembered, a true warrior. Check them out at www.warriorgripfitness.com
This is an unedited user writing submission. The views, information, or opinions expressed in this article are solely those of the author and do not necessarily represent those of Best Version Media or its employees.
