Heart disease is the leading cause of death in Alabama. That’s why February, Heart Month, is dedicated to raising awareness about heart health and the people behind the statistics.

This month, we’re honored to share the story of the Bonilla family, owners of The Heart Baker in Madison, and how their family journey highlights the importance of heart health and community.

Lucia and her family are originally from Nicaragua. When their first daughter, Ximena, was born, they quickly learned she had congenital heart disease (CHD). With no options for the care she needed, they made the difficult decision to fly her to Miami less than 24 hours after her birth.

Eventually, Lucia’s husband, Jeronimo, found work in Huntsville, and the family decided to make North Alabama home. While settling into Madison, Lucia noticed there were not many local bakeries and decided to open one herself. She named it the Heart Baker, a name that took on deeper meaning through her family’s experience.

Today, Lucia’s youngest child, Julieta, receives routine care through Huntsville Hospital Heart Center Pediatric Cardiology Clinic. Julieta was followed for two small heart defects that were closely monitored and eventually closed spontaneously.

Ximena continues her follow-up care at Vanderbilt, and in the near future, she is expected to transition her ongoing cardiac follow-up to Huntsville Hospital Heart Center Pediatric Cardiology Clinic, allowing the family to continue receiving trusted, high-quality care closer to home.

Lucia is understandably passionate about raising awareness for congenital heart disease, which affects 1 in 100 children, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. “When we first learned about Ximena’s condition, we had no idea how complex CHD could be,” she said. “Sharing our story and supporting other families is what continues to give purpose to everything we do.”

The Heart Baker has created a special Raspberry Almond Croissant for Heart Month, and will donate a portion of each sale to Huntsville Hospital Foundation to help raise awareness around congenital heart disease.  

Learn more about heart health, know your family’s risk, prioritize routine screenings at the Heart Center, and support local by visiting The Heart Baker at 8089 Highway 72 West, Suite A, in Madison.