4-Year-Old With Half a Heart Donates Gifts to Others in Need

4-year-old Elliott Wyche is a very special little boy.
Elliot was born with hypoplastic left heart syndrome, meaning he has just half a heart. According to the CDC, 1 out of every 3,841 babies born in the United States each year is born with hypoplastic left heart syndrome.
However, Elliotâs heart still beats, not only for him but for those less fortunate.
Since birth, Elliot has undergone multiple open-heart surgeries, facing major medical complications along the way. But each time, the brave young boy shows strength and courage, or as his parents often say âHalf the heart, twice the fight.â Itâs a message that has inspired many who follow his story on the familyâs Facebook page.

So when the holidays rolled around this year, supporters near and far reached out wanting to send Elliot gifts. Upon hearing the news, young Elliot was overjoyed. Not by the thought of receiving the gifts, but instead on how many other children he could help. Elliot told his parents he wanted to donate the toys to those less fortunate.
His parents contacted the Arlington Police Department, who each year donate toys and gifts around their community. Presents began rolling in from those touched by Elliotâs kindness with dozens of packages flooding the family’s Arlington home leading up to Christmas.

The Arlington SWAT team showing up in full gear to pick up the bounty for their âSanta Copsâ program which supports hundreds of local families each year. One Arlington officer commenting on how incredible it is to see this much generosity out of such a young child. âHeâs going through so much, but heâs giving back. Heâs my hero.â
Elliot received his very own police vest and even had a chance to check out their truck and remote-controlled robot, joyfully telling the local NBC affiliate âMy heart is going to be beeping tonight, and I donât know what to do.â

Elliot’s story, an inspiration, and a reminder of what the holiday season is truly about. Also proving once and for all itâs not the size of your heart, but how you choose to use it.