My name is Trinity Lopez and I'm raising money for Star Studio's 15th Anniversary at Children's Minnesota. Star Studio has had a big impact on my life as I spent many years in and out of the hospital. It gave me something to look forward to each day. It made me smile. It made me laugh. It made me forget why I was stuck in the hospital.
My story started when my mom was pregnant with me. She found out there was something seriously wrong with my heart. The left side was really small compared to the right and it struggled to keep the blood flowing smoothly. I had my first heart surgery when I was only 4 months old.
Later that year, I also needed to have my first open-heart surgery. It was right after my first birthday. It was then that I was diagnosed with Shone's Syndrome – a rare congenital heart disease (CHD) that affects how blood flows both into and out of the left side of the heart. The Dr. told my parents that I wouldn't have made it 1 more day.
When I was 5 years old, I had another open-heart surgery. I spent the next few months in the hospital which meant I was going to miss my first dance recital. I was devastated because I had been practicing for weeks. But that’s when Star Studio and The Dude stepped in and changed everything. They brought my dance class to the hospital to perform together! It was so special!
I remember staying many long months at Children’s Minnesota – including back-to-back heart surgeries that caused me to miss 5th grade. Due to my heart condition, I got sick easily and would end up in the hospital many times. Whenever I was there I would watch or swing by Star Studio to catch The Dude.
When I graduated from high school last year, The Dude showed up to offer support and congratulations. And he wasn’t the only one from Children’s Minnesota. Dr. Francis Moga, associate chief of cardiovascular surgery, Jocelyn Berbee, nurse practitioner (NP) in the Children’s Heart Clinic, and Vicki Benz (RN) were there too!
Today, I'm on medication and may need another open-heart surgery in the near future. I enjoy baking and even started my own cake and cupcake business out of my kitchen called Diva Delights Bakery. So it's very fitting that I give back proceeds from my sales to Star Studio. I've decided that since February is Heart month, I will be giving 100% of the proceeds from all my Red Velvet Cupcakes I sell during the month of February.
Here's my story on Children's Minnesota: https://www.childrensmn.org/2023/01/09/star-studio-celebrates-15-years-making-patients-like-trinity-smile/?fbclid=IwAR0rvgCoUnQiJsT1JYHCWb2D3BeXF4ZG8fmocWsLzkrjkxCf4-P_AdUEUjw
