A North Texas family is turning unimaginable grief into a mission to support other parents facing the same frightening journey of congenital heart disease.
Three years ago, Faith and Robert Shields lost their daughter Nora just nine months after she was born with a severe congenital heart defect. Nora underwent emergency heart surgery just hours after birth and spent nearly her entire life in and out of the hospital before passing away in February 2023.
“For a mother to experience the worst loss that you can ever go through – losing a child is just unbearable,” Faith said.
After Nora’s death came a blessing – a baby boy named Nash, but he was also born with a congenital heart condition. Now almost three, Nash continues regular cardiology appointments and scans as doctors monitor his heart and weigh future procedures.
“We’re just praying that God heals his heart, that He leads us in the right direction. It’s kind of a lot of unknowns,” said Faith. “I feel like I’m reliving this nightmare every day while he’s still fighting his journey.”
OPERATION HEART
Out of their grief, the Shields founded Operation Heart, a nonprofit dedicated to supporting families navigating congenital heart disease.
“I felt so alone in my journey, you know, no resources, nobody to connect with. And so, Operation Heart was born,” Faith said. “We support people from the beginning of their diagnosis to the very end of whatever that might look like.”
The organization provides care baskets, financial support, and resources for families during hospital stays and long-term treatment.
“It was just a constant heartache. And I wanted to find a way to kind of turn my pain into purpose and to give back,” Faith said.
In honor of American Heart Month this February, Faith visited Medical City Children’s Hospital to deliver dozens of Operation Heart baskets to families in the cardiac ICU unit. Each basket is hand-packed and filled with blankets, toys, comfort items for children, and practical gifts for parents enduring long hospital days.
Alanna Quillen NBC 5Alanna Quillen NBC 5
Faith Shields loads care baskets in Plano to deliver to families at Medical City Children’s Hospital.
Walking back into the pediatric ICU was emotional, especially on the anniversary of Nora’s passing.
“Walking through those doors is hard but I keep reminding myself that every heartbeat matters,” she said. “I know that going and doing this, I’m honoring her and her life and celebrating her. And hopefully I’m giving some happiness to those kids and the families there in the cardiac unit.”
EXPANDING THE MISSION
Alongside Operation Heart, the Shields recently launched Dragonfly Scan, a preventative imaging service offering full-body and heart MRI scans. Their goal is to make early detection more accessible for people who may struggle to obtain screenings through traditional insurance requirements.
“Our job on this earth is to leave every day, every place we go a little better than we found it,” said Robert.
Faith says the technology has the potential to save time, lives, and peace of mind. They operate locations in Plano, McKinney and Dallas, with other locations in Houston, Austin and El Paso.
“This mission is also super dear to my heart because I have seen how it has truly impacted lives, giving people a second chance at life that they might not have had,” she said. “It really gives me a true purpose on getting this accessible to everyone, letting them know that this technology is out there and that you can take your health into your own hands.”
As Nash continues his treatment and the Shields family navigates the uncertainty of congenital heart disease for the second time, they say Nora’s memory guides their work every day.
“I want other families that are going through this to know that we’re here to support you,” said Faith.
To learn more about Operation Heart or to support families affected by congenital heart disease, click here.