Emma Bjorkman and Jeremy Keck were born more than two decades apart. But the toddler and young adult have more in common than you might think.

Three-year-old Emma and 24-year-old Jeremy were both born with a double inlet left ventricle – a complex and rare heart defect where one ventricle is missing or underdeveloped, leaving the heart with only one functioning ventricle. It’s one of the most severe types of heart defects, and children must undergo at least three major open heart surgeries to repair the defect.

But thanks to skilled heart surgeons, the love of their families, and sheer will, a heart condition hasn’t slowed Emma down, nor kept Jeremy from accomplishing his goals. They both demonstrate just how far medical care for serious heart defects has come. But more importantly, they’re shining examples of how the right attitude can make all the difference.

Click on the images to find out more about Emma and Jeremy.