A loving dad surprised his daughter with a tattoo of an open-heart surgery scar that is identical to hers so she would never feel alone.
Brave little Everly Backe, four, has already undergone three major open- heart surgeries with her first taking place only three days after she was born.
Parents Lauren and Matt, both 37, learnt of their daughter's complex congenital heart defect while she was still in the womb and stayed by her side as she spent the first year of her life undergoing two more open-heart surgeries.
The life-saving procedures have left her with a deep downward scar in the middle of her chest, which her parents Lauren and Matt have dubbed her "zipper" due to it being opened and closed so many times.
In the sweetest display of solidarity with his daughter, Matt – who had never been inked before – decided to get a tattoo of an open-heart surgery scar that was identical to Everly's so that they could be "zipper buddies" for life.
Insurance salesmen Matt, from Crystal Lake, Illinois, USA, said: "Neither my wife or I had ever got a tattoo before, or even really thought about it.
"It all started because I began noticing Everly was noticing her zipper scar a lot more than usual and was making many comments about it.
"I realised that she was starting to feel different, as there is not a whole lot of representation of scars, especially her type, out there.
"I just randomly said one day, 'you know what, I'm going to get a tattoo to match her.'
"It was kind of just one of those things you say in passing, and I didn't think much more about it.
"But then at Christmas 2021, Lauren's parents surprised me with a gift card for a local tattoo artist near us. I was so touched by the gesture."
Matt booked a consultation and thought he would go back in a week or two to get his tattoo but the artist had a cancellation.
He added: "So, all of a sudden, I'm getting the tattoo and my wife and kids had no idea it was happening right then.
"It was all just like it was meant to be. It hurt as it was right on the bone, but I was thinking about Evie the whole time.
"If she could go through everything she has at such a young age, I could get this done."
Matt said he was not sure how his daughter would react to his new tattoo or if she would truly understand the meaning behind it.
But when he got home and showed it off, both Matt and Lauren were left in hysterics after she told her dad "You're copying me."
Matt said: "In true Evie fashion, the first thing she said was that I was copying her and was teasing me for it.
"She is certainly the boss around here and has no qualms about putting people in their place.
"But I could see how happy she was, and she then smiled and told me that I wanted to have a special heart like hers. "
Mum-of-two Lauren also got inked for the very first time with a special tribute to her daughter's condition - an EKG on her left arm to commemorate all she has been through.
She said: "I'm so incredibly proud of Evie. She has been through so much already and keeps positive throughout it all.
"She is a very happy little girl and doesn't really know any different. She has no idea what it is like not to be tired all the time and be in and out of hospitals.
"Evie knows she is a little bit different, as she takes a lot more breaks than the other kids and does need to be carried or popped in her stroller at times.
"But we always said we will let her be as 'normal' as her body will allow. We did not fight this hard for this long for her to just be in bed and do nothing.
"She is a little fighter and surprises us every day with her strength."
The proud parents said Everly's adoring older brother Jack, 10, has always been there for his little sister through all the ups and downs.
The vibrant fourth-grader has also eagerly stated he wants to get a "zipper" tattoo just like his daddy to support his sis once he turns 18.
Lauren added: "Jack absolutely fell in love with his dad's tattoo and his first question was 'how old do you have to be to get one?'
"He is adamant that he will also get one as soon as he turns 18. He wants to support his sister.
"He is the best big brother anyone could ask for and has been since day one."
The parents are hoping to raise awareness of childhood congenital heart defects by sharing their inspiring story with the world.
After putting a photo of the tattoo on social media, Matt and Lauren said they have been contacted by people from around the globe who have found solace in their story.
Matt said: "It has been amazing to receive so many positive comments from people all over telling us how our story has touched them.
"Many were saying how they have always been self-conscious or ashamed of their zipper scars, so seeing posts like these have been amazing.
"That is all we want to do. We want to help others like Evie feel less alone while also raising awareness of the condition.
"Lots of kids with CHD don't make it past their first birthday and more do not make it past 18.
"We hope by raising awareness, it will also help increase funding for research to help save lives."
