When six-year-old Joey Watts underwent a life-saving heart operation, his life—and that of his family—changed forever. Born with supravalvular aortic stenosis (SVAS), a rare congenital heart defect affecting roughly one in 20,000 newborns worldwide, Joey faced a major surgery to widen a critical blood vessel in his heart. While the operation was a medical success, it left Joey with a six-inch scar running down the center of his chest—a permanent reminder of the bravery and resilience required in the face of such a serious condition.

Inspired by his son’s courage, Joey’s father, Martin Watts, took an extraordinary step to show support. He had a tattoo matching his son’s scar inked onto his own chest, symbolizing solidarity, love, and the message that scars are a badge of honor, not shame.

A Father’s Extraordinary Gesture

The idea to replicate Joey’s chest scar as a tattoo stemmed from Martin’s desire to normalize the appearance of surgical scars for his children and inspire confidence in them. “It’s about showing Joey that his scar is something to be proud of, not hidden away,” Martin explained.

This symbolic gesture was not only deeply personal but also part of a larger campaign to raise awareness for congenital heart defects. Martin shared images of himself with Joey as part of the Children’s Heart Surgery Fund (CHSF) campaign, aiming to inspire others and encourage public support for families facing similar challenges.

Understanding Supravalvular Aortic Stenosis (SVAS)

Supravalvular aortic stenosis is a congenital condition that narrows the aorta, the large vessel responsible for carrying blood from the heart to the rest of the body. If left untreated, SVAS can result in serious complications, including shortness of breath, chest pain, and even heart failure.

Joey’s procedure, performed at Leeds Children’s Hospital, successfully widened his aorta, allowing him to enjoy a healthier, more active life. However, Joey is not the only member of his family affected by the condition—his younger brother, Harley, also has the same heart defect and is expected to undergo surgery in the near future.

The Power of Sharing Stories: #ScarSelfie Movement

As part of the CHSF’s #ScarSelfie campaign, Martin and Joey shared their story and images online to celebrate the bravery of heart surgery patients and to raise awareness for congenital heart diseases (CHD).

#ScarSelfie encourages patients to post intimate photos of their surgical scars, helping others see that survivors are warriors and their scars are marks of triumph rather than tragedy. The campaign has helped thousands of patients and families feel empowered and connected, while also inspiring charitable contributions to support heart surgery services at Leeds Congenital Heart Unit.

Sharon Milner, CEO of CHSF, emphasized the campaign’s impact:

“We are constantly amazed by the bravery and resilience of the hundreds of CHD patients who undergo life-saving procedures every day. Sharing these stories helps celebrate their achievements and encourages others to support our cause.”

Raising Awareness and Inspiring Courage

For the Watts family, the tattoo represents more than just art—it is a symbol of solidarity, courage, and hope. Joey, now recovering and thriving, can look at his father’s chest and feel a sense of pride and normalcy. Martin’s tattoo sends a powerful message to children and families dealing with CHD: you are not alone, and your scars are nothing to be ashamed of.

By sharing their journey, the Watts family also hopes to encourage public support and fundraising efforts for CHSF, which provides vital medical services and supports families during challenging times. Donations to the charity directly benefit the Leeds Congenital Heart Unit, helping more children like Joey and Harley access life-saving surgeries.

The Emotional Impact of Tattoos for Medical Awareness

Tattoos as a means of raising awareness or honoring medical experiences have gained popularity in recent years. Many individuals with personal or family experiences of surgery choose to permanently commemorate these moments through body art.

In Joey’s case, the tattoo serves multiple purposes:

1. Support and Solidarity: Showing Joey that his experiences are shared and understood.

2. Empowerment: Helping normalize scars for children and their peers.

3. Awareness and Fundraising: Drawing attention to congenital heart diseases and encouraging donations to CHSF.

Such gestures remind communities that medical experiences can become powerful tools for social awareness and emotional healing.

Joey and Harley’s journey highlights the challenges faced by children with congenital heart defects and the unwavering support of their families. Despite medical hurdles, the children remain resilient and courageous, embodying the spirit of “heart warriors.”

Leanne, Joey’s mother, shared her perspective:

“All of these warriors should be proud of their scars and all they achieve in life. We hope sharing our story inspires others to celebrate courage, support families, and raise awareness for congenital heart conditions.”

The story of Joey Watts and his father Martin is a testament to love, courage, and resilience. Through a simple yet profound gesture—a tattoo matching a six-year-old’s surgical scar—they not only celebrate Joey’s bravery but also raise awareness for congenital heart defects like supravalvular aortic stenosis.

Their journey, amplified by the CHSF #ScarSelfie campaign, demonstrates the power of personal storytelling in healthcare, reminding the world that scars are symbols of strength and that families facing heart challenges are never alone.

By sharing this story, the Watts family hopes to inspire courage, normalize surgical scars, and encourage public support for children with congenital heart defects. Every scar tells a story, and every story can inspire hope.