Cory Wharton Honors Daughter Maya with Tattoo Following Her Second Open-Heart Surgery

Cory Wharton has paid tribute to his 3-year-old daughter, Maya, in a deeply personal way. On December 2, the former Teen Mom star, 34, shared that he had a lifelike portrait of Maya inked on his upper arm. The reality star, who shares Maya with ex Taylor Selfridge, posted on Instagram, I wanted to make sure to get her portrait after her second open heart surgery. Alongside the post, he included multiple photos and videos capturing the tattoo process.

Wharton also highlighted the significance of this milestone, saying, Didnt wanna jinx it in any type of way. But now I have all three of my daughters on my arm . He shares daughter Mila Mae, 5, with Selfridge, and Ryder, 8, with ex Cheyenne Floyd, joking that he feels like Thanos collecting infinity stones .

Maya recently underwent her second open-heart surgery, over two years after her first procedure at just seven months old. Wharton had shared updates leading up to the surgery, expressing the stress and worry parents feel when a child must go under anesthesia. Prayers for Maya Maya has a Cath lab this morning to get her ready for her next Open Heart Surgery, he wrote at the time. He added reassurance, noting, Ill say this I know Maya is a lil warrior & we will get through this.

Following the surgery, Wharton updated fans on Mayas recovery after the Fontan Procedure, a heart operation for children with a single functioning heart ventricle. Everything went well , he wrote on October 10, sharing photos from her hospital room. He expressed gratitude for the support received, adding, Right now were still in the recovery phase which has its own challenges. Every time you think things are getting better, a new challenge arises, but well just keep tackling them as they come. Mayas a fighter and shes got this.

Personal Tribute and a Milestone for Cory Wharton

In a heartfelt gesture of love and commitment, Cory Wharton honored his 3-year-old daughter, Maya, by getting a lifelike portrait of her tattooed on his arm. The former *Teen Mom* star, 34, shared the news on December 2, revealing that this tattoo is particularly meaningful as it commemorates Maya’s second open-heart surgery. Wharton posted on Instagram, saying, "I wanted to make sure to get her portrait after her second open heart surgery."

The portrait is a symbol of the bond Wharton shares with his daughter, and the tattoo's timing highlights the emotional and physical challenges Maya has faced. Maya recently underwent her second open-heart surgery, following a similar procedure when she was just seven months old. Wharton has been vocal about the anxiety and concern parents face when their child undergoes such life-threatening procedures. In the lead-up to the surgery, he posted updates, asking for prayers and support while expressing his confidence in Maya's strength, stating, "I know Maya is a lil warrior & we will get through this."

Wharton also shared the significance of having all three of his daughters tattooed on his arm, including Maya, Mila Mae (5), and Ryder (8). He humorously compared himself to "Thanos collecting infinity stones," a reference to the *Marvel* character's quest to gather powerful artifacts. This personal milestone underscores the importance of family and the deep emotional impact of his daughter's health journey.

Despite the challenges Maya faces, Wharton remains optimistic. After Maya’s Fontan procedure, which is a critical heart operation for children with a single functioning ventricle, he updated his followers on her recovery, expressing his gratitude for the support they’ve received. "Every time you think things are getting better, a new challenge arises, but we’ll just keep tackling them as they come," he shared, reaffirming his faith in his daughter’s resilience.

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• Cory Wharton Gets Tattoo of His 3-Year-Old Daughter Maya After She Undergoes Her Second Open-Heart Surgery