4-year-old battling heart defect gets wish granted

TERRE HAUTE, Ind. (WTHI) – Looking at 4-year-old Christopher Ingersoll, it’s hard to ignore his bright, and contagious, smile.

“He’s a very high-spirited, happy-go-lucky boy,” said Jennifer Ingersoll, mother.

Behind that bright smile, you wouldn’t know that Christopher is living with a difficult condition. Christopher was born with a congestive heart defect, known as Hypoplastic Left Heart Syndrome, making the left side of his heart unable to develop. Christopher spent a great deal of time in the hospital, ever since he was a newborn to 4 months.

“He’s had 3 open heart surgeries, and a pacemaker, by the age of 2,” said Jennifer.

Through a Facebook group called “Heart Moms”, Jennifer found out about the Make-A-Wish Foundation. Jennifer applied, and found out Christopher was accepted into the program about a year ago.

“They called us out of the blue about a week and a half ago,” said Jennifer, “They said they had an opening for Christopher to go on the 23rd to meet John Cena”.

News 10 was there as the limousine pulled up in front of The Ingersoll household. Christopher’s face lit up when the driver called his name.

Christopher’s wish took him, and his family, to Bakersfield, California. There, Christopher got to meet famous WWE wrestler, John Cena, along with Randy Orton. After photo opportunities, and a personal meet and greet, Christopher and his family sat ringside during the live WWE event.

It’s not a typical journey for a 4-year-old. Though the journey has been difficult at times, Jennifer says the experience has strengthened the bond within her family.

“It’s brought us closer together,” said Jennifer, “Have faith, and hope, that everything is going to turn out okay”.