Cory Wharton and Taylor Selfridge‘s bond has grown stronger as they navigate the challenges of parenthood, particularly after their daughter Maya’s open heart surgery.

During an exclusive interview with Us Weekly at The Children’s Heart Foundation’s Congenital Heart Walk in Los Angeles, the couple reflected on their journey and how it has brought them closer together.

“The experience has definitely brought us closer as a family. We had to rely on each other and work together to get through the tough times,” Wharton, 33, shared. “It’s not easy, but we’re stronger because of it.”

For Selfridge, 30, the past two years have been a rollercoaster of emotions, especially after learning about Maya’s congenital heart disease called tricuspid atresia during her pregnancy.

Related: Cory Wharton and Taylor Selfridge’s Family Album

One, big, blended family! Longtime MTV personality Cory Wharton is a proud parent of three beautiful children. The former Challenge star shares his eldest daughter, Ryder, with ex Cheyenne Floyd, and his daughters Mila and Maya with girlfriend Taylor Selfridge. Wharton and Selfridge, who began dating in November 2017, welcomed baby No. 2 in June […]

With Maya’s health improving, Selfridge expressed her gratitude for having Wharton by her side.

“She’s doing great. She’s like any other kid. She has her next surgery, but as of now, she’s just living her life,” Selfridge said. “I do think [Cory and I] got stronger in that time because that’s one of the worst things you can go through.”

In January 2023, Maya underwent her first open heart surgery at just 7 months old. The procedure was a success, and she has one final surgery planned for the summer of 2025.

When reflecting on their experience, Wharton emphasized the importance of perseverance and hope.

“It’s almost like the parents deal with the trauma more than the young kid at the time because Maya is only one,” Wharton explained. “She’s not going to remember too much of it. Parents have to deal with that weight of the hospital for two weeks straight and all the surgeries. Even talking about it, you get a little choked up.”

As emcee of the Los Angeles Congenital Heart Walk, which raised more than $47,000, Wharton celebrated the progress made for “heart warriors” like his daughter.

“We have procedures in place to help out and it’s working,” he said. “A lot of kids here have gone through different congenital heart disease defects and today’s a day of hope. Today is a day of celebration.”

By sharing their story, Wharton and Selfridge hope to inspire families and remind them that good news can follow a difficult diagnosis.

“Always pray. I’m a big believer in prayer,” Wharton said. “Just keep fighting. Your kid is gonna give it everything they have, and the families need to do the same, and you’ll make it through. There is light at the end of the tunnel.”

Teen Mom: The Next Chapter airs on MTV Thursdays at 8 p.m. ET.