Valley Student Beating The Odds

By Elyse Miller, News Channel 3 Reporteremiller@kesq.com

LA QUINTA – A valley teenager is beating the odds, living a life doctors never thought possible. Now, he’s giving back to the association that helped him survive a rare condition.

“Basically, everyone was just crossing their fingers hoping I would make it,” says Bryce Griffith.

The 16-year-oldwas born with a rare heart defect, one that took the lives of his great aunt and uncle. Doctors feared Bryce would share their fate, but, instead, he’s making his own future.

“I’m taking care of myself,” says Bryce.

“He has a force of will that is outstanding,” says Donna Griffith, Bryce’s mom. “He can overcome anything.”

After undergoing a cutting-edge surgical procedure, Bryce beat the odds and is still wowing doctors and those around him. He’s not only alive and healthy, he’s also a great athlete.

“Water polo, baby,” says Bryce. “It’s intensive, we swim a lot, and tread a lot. There is no real down time. We are going as hard as we can.”

However, Bryce’s pride and joy comes from volunteering for the American Heart Association which helped pay for his heart surgery.

“They saved my life,” says Bryce.

Ever since, he’s been giving back by raising money and awareness about heart disease and stroke.

“We encourage one person at a time,” says Bryce. “Eat healthy, exercise and walk.”

Bryce’s commitment earned him the Coachella Valley American Heart Association’s President’s Award.

“I was shocked,” says Bryce. “I was really excited.”

“It’s amazing to see him doing what he is doing,” says Donna.

Bryce says he will never stop using the life he almost lost to save the lives of others.

“I’m really blessed,” says Bryce.

The American Heart Association will hold a Coachella Valley Heart Walk at the Palm Desert Civic Center Park on October 31st from 8 a.m. Until 11 a.m. For more information go to http://www.americanheart.org/presenter.jhtml?identifier=3066081.