| Patrick and Carly Fritz had just purchased a new home in the heart of COVID-19 in anticipation of their second child, Caleb, joining their family. At their 20-week anatomy scan, they learned Caleb had a congenital heart defect (CHD) called Hypoplastic Left Heart Syndrome (HLHS). His left ventricle had not developed properly, meaning he would be born with half of a heart. Thankfully, the team at UPMC Children’s Hospital had a plan to reconstruct his heart through a series of surgeries during his first few years of life. That plan changed quickly when Caleb was born five weeks premature on October 13, 2020, weighing just 4 pounds, 14 ounces. At only eight days old, he underwent an unexpected lifesaving surgery. Soon after, Caleb began experiencing seizures, and an MRI later revealed he had suffered multiple strokes. By the time he was two months old, he had endured four strokes. At three months old, Caleb underwent his second open-heart surgery. It was an incredibly difficult time for the Fritz family, who didn’t know if he would survive. Because of COVID-19 restrictions, no one besides Patrick and Carly had been able to meet Caleb in the hospital. Knowing the uncertainty surrounding his surgery, his grandparents were given the opportunity to meet him for the first time. Thankfully, the surgery was successful, and after a lengthy stay in the ICU, Caleb continued his recovery on the cardiac unit. At six months old, Caleb underwent his third heart surgery. When complications arose just 24 hours later, he required an emergency heart catheterization. A month later, he received a G-tube to help with feeding, and on May 18, 2021, after more than seven months in the hospital, Caleb finally came home to meet his big brother, Owen. Once home, Caleb continued to defy expectations. He overcame a significant oral aversion, learned to eat by mouth, and worked tirelessly through physical and occupational therapy to overcome developmental delays. Although he continued to make frequent trips to Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh for appointments and procedures, he was finally able to enjoy the simple joys of childhood. Caleb especially loves playing with his sibling Owen and Quinn. After more than three years of waiting for a lifesaving organ, Caleb received the extraordinary gift of a donor heart on April 17, 2026. Following some expected ups and downs after transplant, he once again demonstrated the remarkable strength and resilience that have defined his journey and was discharged home just three weeks later. Today, Caleb continues to navigate the lifelong challenges of heart transplantation. Regular blood work, immunosuppressive medications, heart catheterizations, biopsies, and other testing are all part of protecting the incredible gift he has received and ensuring his new heart continues to thrive. Caleb is doing exceptionally well and is excited to begin kindergarten. Caleb’s transplant was made possible by the profound generosity of an organ donor and a family who, in the midst of unimaginable loss, chose to give others the gift of life. Their selfless decision forever changed Caleb’s future, and the Fritz family will always honor that extraordinary legacy with deep gratitude. The journey of a heart warrior is challenging and unpredictable, and Caleb’s story is still being written. While the Fritz family doesn’t know exactly what the future holds, they refuse to let uncertainty define his life. Instead, they remain committed to giving Caleb a life filled with adventure, laughter, love, and every opportunity to simply be a kid. |
“We believe in the giant potential of the tiny bean”
Caleb’s Crusaders Heart Foundation is a public charity exempt from federal income tax under section 501(c)(3) of the Internal
Revenue Code. Official registration and financial information may be obtained from the Pennsylvania Department of State by calling
toll free, within Pennsylvania, 1-800-732-0999.
Caleb’s Crusaders Heart Foundation 