Christian James Siel
2004 Community Hero
Meet Christian, a delightful eight-year-old with a heart so brave he reminds family and friends of the courageous lion in the Wizard of Oz. By the time Christian was two months old, he had already undergone surgery to repair a hole in his heart. When he turned three, he was hospitalized for an aortic valve replacement, followed two months later by a repeat of the same procedure. After suffering heart failure last year, Christian underwent a heart transplant that resulted in a four-and-half-month hospital stay.
These challenges can’t keep him down. Even though he tires easily and often, Christian maintains an iron-clad will that astonishes everyone who’s had the pleasure of knowing him. He understands and accepts his heart problems with a wonderfully upbeat attitude, says his mother. “He pushes himself to get better whenever he’s ill – and communicates with his nurses, doctors and family in a loving way.”
Ever since his heart transplant in St. Louis, Missouri, Christian has been a huge fan of the St. Louis Cardinals. He’s also a big fan of cheeseburgers and video games – and simply adores his Cat, Jax, and his Basset hound, Rufus. At school, Christian has lots of friends and looks forward to P.E. and music class.
Christian’s kind, compassionate and brave spirit – along with his constant, genuine concern for others – exemplify the qualities of a hero.
