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LAS VEGAS, Nev. (FOX5) – Grayson Gallardo is an 11-year-old boy who has a bright smile and big dreams. Gallardo was born with a rare congenital heart defect called Tricuspid atresia. His condition means living with only half a functioning heart.<\/p>\n
Despite the challenges, Grayson\u2019s parents Greg and Paloma Gallardo have worked to make sure he has a life filled with love and joy. <\/p>\n
\u201cWe won the wrong lottery because it\u2019s something that\u2019s very rare,\u201d Greg said.<\/p>\n
\u201cHe knows he\u2019s had surgeries and that he can\u2019t play certain sports or do certain things other kids can do,\u201d said Paloma in Spanish.<\/p>\n
Grayson has already undergone three open-heart surgery and takes daily medication to manage his condition. While his physical activities are limited, his spirit is anything but.<\/p>\n
\u201cMy biggest dream is to help people with the same conditions as me,\u201d Grayson said.<\/p>\n
Grayson\u2019s courage hasn\u2019t gone unnoticed. The American Heart Association has named him a Kid\u2019s Heart Hero Ambassador for Nevada. Soon, he will be featured across schools in the state to hopefully inspire other children facing similar challenges.<\/p>\n
\u201cHe has shown me how to be brave,\u201d Paloma said in Spanish.<\/p>\n
The Gallardo family hopes advancements in medicine will one day extend life expectancy for people with tricuspid atresia. Until then, they are savoring every moment and celebrating the impact Grayson is already making in his community.<\/p>\n
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