Thanks to children’s charity Kids Wish Network, Adam from Sarasota, FL, recently got some amazing skateboarding tips from his idol, Tony Hawk.
Adam suffers from a dangerous heart condition that prevents him from doing many physical activities, but meeting Tony Hawk is the inspiration he needs to stay strong during his upcoming heart surgery.
For 9-year-old Adam Terry, participating in his favorite hobby of skateboarding is extremely dangerous. The Sarasota, FL, child suffers from a rare and serious heart defect that makes doing any physical activity a life-threatening experience.
Because of his heart’s fragile condition, he’s taken to simply watching his favorite skateboarder, Tony Hawk, get all the action. But thanks to Kids Wish Network, Adam was able to get in on the fun and meet his superstar athlete idol.
Adam was diagnosed with a cyanotic heart defect before birth and underwent his first reconstructive heart surgery when he was 12 days old. His life-threatening illness is classified as transposition of the great vessels and changes the way blood circulates through the body. With this condition, the heart essentially pumps the opposite way it should, creating a shortage of oxygenated blood flowing from the heart to the rest of the body. Doctors also fear that Adam suffers from an aortic condition where he risks an aortic aneurysm from too much activity.
Despite his dangerous condition, Adam still tries to live like a normal young boy. Unfortunately, it won’t be long until he will need to have another serious heart surgery to replace his aortic root and heart values. Kids Wish Network couldn’t wait another day to grant Adam’s wish to meet Tony Hawk and sent the polite child on an all-expense paid wish trip to spend the day with Tony Hawk and learn some valuable and safe skateboarding tips.
“Adam getting his wish is the best thing that has happened to us in a long time,” recalls Adam’s mom Yvonne. “We live day-to-day with Adam’s illness and it’s very stressful at times. Not having to worry about his condition for a few days was wonderful. We all thank you so very much.”
Adam is meeting with his surgeon again at the end of April. He will most likely undergo his heart surgery later this year. You can check back with KWN to check his progress.
Kids Wish Network and Adam would like to thank the amazing sponsors for helping grant Adam’s wish: Tony Hawk, The Carlsbad Inn, Paradise Pizza, Inc., the San Diego Zoo, Vigilucci’s, and Advantage Rent A Car.
Kids Wish Network is a Florida-based charitable organization dedicated to infusing hope, creating happy memories, and improving the quality of life for children having experience life-altering situations. Come experience the Kids Wish Network difference here.
