The Story of Waylon Fritz đź’š
Waylon Fritz was born on June 26, 2025, as Twin A, alongside his twin brother. Before he was even born, Waylon began his courageous journey when he was diagnosed with Hypoplastic Right Heart Syndrome (HRHS) during his mom’s 20-week anatomy scan. From that moment on, Waylon’s life became a story of strength, bravery, and a heart that continues to inspire everyone around him.
At just five days old, Waylon underwent his first open-heart surgery, followed by another surgery at just seven days old. Even in his earliest days of life, Waylon showed the strength of a true warrior. In February 2026, he underwent his Glenn procedure, bringing him one step further along his complicated heart journey.
After his Glenn, Waylon was able to come home on oral medications while awaiting the next stage of his journey, the Fontan procedure. Unfortunately, Waylon’s heart had other plans. His heart became significantly enlarged, and the medications that had been helping him no longer seemed to be working. On October 5, 2026, Waylon was placed on the heart transplant list as Status 1A, marking the beginning of another uncertain and difficult chapter in his fight.
But Waylon is so much more than his diagnosis. đź’š
He is the happiest little boy, with a personality that lights up every room he enters. Everyone who meets Waylon falls in love with him. His smile is contagious, his presence brings joy, and somehow, even in the hardest moments, he has a way of making everyone around him smile. He reminds us that the smallest people can carry the biggest strength and that love can shine even in the darkest days.
Waylon is one of four brothers, with two older brothers and his younger twin brother by his side. He is surrounded by a family who loves him endlessly and continues to fight alongside him every step of the way.
Some of Waylon’s favorite things are his car rides around the hospital and visiting all of his friends. No matter where he goes, he brings happiness with him. Whether he is cruising through the hospital halls or stopping to see the people who have become part of his journey, Waylon has a special way of making ordinary moments feel extraordinary.
Waylon’s journey has been filled with more challenges than any baby should ever have to face, but his story is not defined by hospital rooms, surgeries, or a diagnosis. His story is about a little boy with an incredible spirit, a smile that touches hearts, and a family who would move mountains for him.
As Waylon waits for his miracle heart, we hold onto hope, love, and faith in the days ahead. We pray for the right heart, for healing, and for the chance for Waylon to grow up, make memories with his brothers, and live the beautiful life he deserves.
Waylon Fritz, you are loved beyond measure. You are brave beyond words, and you are so much more than your broken heart. You are our happy boy, our little warrior, and a light to everyone lucky enough to know you.
Keep smiling, sweet Waylon. Your story is still being written, and so many people are cheering you on every step of the way. đź’š
#WaylonStrong #WaylonsHeartJourney #HeartWarrior #WaitingForAMiracle #Waylonđź’š
The Children’s Organ Transplant Association (COTA) helps children and young adults who need a life-saving transplant by providing fundraising assistance and family support. COTA is the nation’s only fundraising organization solely dedicated to raising life-saving dollars in honor of transplant-needy children and young adults. 100% of each contribution made to COTA in honor of our patients helps meet transplant-related expenses. COTA’s services are free to our families, and gifts to COTA are tax deductible to the fullest extent of the law.