Cindy Baldauf

This will be my 3rd year as a challenger. I participate with my daughter Chloe. This event has been by far one of the most meaningful events that I participate in. Knowing that we are creating future experiences and memories for our wish kids and their families that otherwise would not be possible makes every mile logged in a celebration. So grateful to be apart of such an amazing experience. ❤️

Our warriors name is Enzo! He was diagnosed with a rare congenital heart defect (CHD) called Hypoplastic Left Heart Syndrome (HLHS) at 20 weeks gestation; this means that the left side of his heart stopped forming at 12 weeks gestation & it doesn't pump. We knew he was going to have to have at least 3 open heart surgeries (Norwood, Glenn, & Fontan) before he was 4 years old.

Enzo was born at Cleveland Clinic Main SDU on June 2nd, 2015 weighing a whopping 7lbs 13oz and looking shockingly healthy for a baby with half a heart. From the moment he was born he stole the hearts of all the doctors & nurses. We knew from day 1 he was going to be a fighter. He had his first open heart surgery called the Norwood at 3 days old & his surgeon Dr. Stewart said he had one of the smallest aortas he’s ever repaired. He came home 13 days later on no feeding tube & surprising everyone with how well he handled everything!

He did fairly well at home & had his second open heart surgery called the Glenn at 5 months old & came home just 3 days post op. He unfortunately had a set back and was readmitted with a wound infection. His chest had to be opened back up less than a week post op & be cleaned out of infection. His chest remained open & he stayed in the hospital for a month on IV antibiotics. Once home, he lived a normal toddler life & was on no medications. He had his final stage of surgeries called the Fontan in September 2018. He came home a week post op & has done extremely well.

He is the best big brother & loves his sister Stella immensely! He is incredibly smart & loves to play outside!

Thank you so much to Anytime Fitness & A Special Wish Cleveland for everything you do! Enzo has been through so much in 5 years & he continues to do it with a smile on his face! He is a brave warrior & I couldn’t be more proud of him! He is our real life super hero!