Our Story


Bryan and Latita Fisher live in Columbus Ohio. Bryan is currently a general surgery resident @ The Ohio State University. In November 2005, Bryan Fisher and his wife learned that their son BJ was born with a congenital heart defect. Over the next few weeks, they watched helplessly as he gradually stopped gaining weight and could no longer tolerate drinking from a bottle. Just when they thought that things couldn’t get worse, they were told that BJ would need open heart surgery to fix his defect. Almost overnight, Bryan went from a surgeon in training to a helpless parent who had to place the life of their son in the hands of someone else. Latita and Bryan went through a rollercoaster of emotions, the scariest of which was the possibility that their son would go to the operating room and not come back. Their despair quickly turned to hope when they were put in contact with the Dr. Mark Galantowicz (Chief of Pediatric Surgery at Columbus Children's Hospital). During their initial consultation, Dr. G gave an overview of BJ's treatment plan and helped to set their minds at ease by answering their many questions. It was during this visit that they knew their son's heart would be in the hands of a truly World Class surgeon. Indeed, their prayers were answered when Dr. Galantowicz met Bryan and Latita in the waiting room 3 hours after the commencement of surgery to tell them that BJ’s operation had gone perfectly. Bryan and Latita were elated and relieved to know that their son would once again return to their loving arms. They were so touched by the outpouring of support from their family, friends, and pediatrician. Equally important was the support and kind words from Bryan's colleagues at OSU. Some took time out of their schedules to be with them during BJ’s surgery. Many others came by or called to make sure that BJ was doing well. Bryan and Latita feltl fortunate to have had so much support during the hardest time in their lives. Because of their experience, Latita and Bryan decided to organize a benefit that would help support families and children with congenital heart defects. Thus we present to you Golfing for Hearts!!!


Purpose

All of BJ’s grandparents drove to Columbus (from no less than 450 miles) to help Bryan and Latita manage multiple day to day tasks while they concentrated on learning how to take care of their son during the postoperative period. They understand that every family and child does not have the resources and support that they received during such an emotionally and financially draining time. Thus in 2007, Bryan and Latita organized a golf tournament in which 100% of the proceeds is used to support families at the Heart Center at Nationwide Children’s Hospital with daily needs such as lodging, food, and transportation. In addition, Bryan and Latita would like to raise public awareness about the prevalence of congenital heart defects and how this spectrum of diseases affects everyday lives here in Columbus.