Bailee At 24 weeks gestation Bailee was diagnosed with Tetrology of Fallot with the addition of an Atrial Septal Defect, Pulmonary Atresia and major aortopulmonary collateral arteries (MAPCAs). She underwent her first procedure at two days. Her first major surgery occurred at eight weeks and then again at ten months. She underwent subsequent surgeries at three and four years of age. She is still largely unrepaired and requires multiple cardiac catheterizations each year. Today, Bailee is an amazing four year old. She is a strong-spirited child which has served her well. She loves riding horses, singing, reading her books, swimming, playing fetch with her dogs, and being a big sister. She continues to be an inspiration and source of strength to all who meet her. She is a daily reminder of the important things in life.
DaneDane is an incredible 6 year old boy. He always has a smile on his face, and loves to laugh and play with friends. He is full of energy! He likes school, karate, bike rides, playing tennis, and enjoys playing with LEGO bricks. Dane was born with a congenital heart disease, Tetrology of Fallot. He underwent open heart surgery when he was 4 months old. Thanks to Children's Heart Institute, Dane is expected to live a long and active life!
BrandonBrandon was diagnosed at birth with multiple congenital heart defects. His heart has only two chambers and is in the right side of his chest. He has endured five surgeries, the first at only three days old, then seven days, 14 days, 18 months and finally on the last day of kindergarten when he was 6 years old. When Brandon was born his survival was in question. Thanks to the Children’s Heart Institute and the skills of his surgeons and Cardiologist, Brandon has thrived. He is now a 14-year-old honor roll student. He is a 2nd degree black belt in karate, enjoys playing golf and the drums. With his incredible charm and ability as a public speaker, Brandon has been raising awareness and sharing the amazing gift he has been given.
SidneySidney is a bright, spontaneous, amazing little girl. She is much more concerned with the clothes and manicure that she has, rather than her heart defect. She was born with Tricuspid Atresia, or a Hypoplastic Right Heart, and has had two open heart surgeries to try and correct the problem. The first surgery performed was at 4 months old, the second at 18 months. In early 2004, Sidney had to have a pacemaker implanted due to a decreasing heart rate. This was starting to affect her energy and quality of life, and was the best decision ever made. She is growing into a beautiful, vivacious young girl, who loves to dance, sing, and generally attract any attention she can get!
ChaseChase was sent to Children’s Heart Institute when he was one week old with what was thought to be an innocent heart murmur. He was diagnosed at that time with Patent Ductus Arteriosus (PDA) and Wolfe-Parkinson-White (WPW), both relatively minor, treatable defects. Then, a potentially life-threatening diagnosis – an isolated non-compaction of the left ventricle – was made at his one-year check up. Chase has had one heart catheterization and will undergo one more in the future. Because he received his diagnosis early, he can receive regular monitoring for any changes in his condition. Today, Chase is almost three; his main mission is channeling all his energies into being an active, vibrant, happy little boy.
BlakeBlake was diagnosed at birth with transposition of the major vessels. Unfortunately the surgery was quite complicated because of an intramural coronary which required an extensive operation and many days on heart/lung bypass. Blake made a miraculous recovery though and is a very active and athletic 8-year- old. Blake loves sports and plays soccer and baseball. Blake is playing competitive soccer on the Surf under- 8 team as a left mid-fielder. Most of all, Blake’s favorite past time is being with his big brother Hunter. They share many of the same interests and are always together supporting each other on the soccer field, playing video games or just watching TV. Blake also enjoys going to school with his many friends in first grade. What captures everyone most about Blake is his smile.Blake is always smiling and laughing and enjoying life to the fullest!
TrevorTrevor is a strong and amazing little boy. He was born with double inlet left ventricle, hypoplastic right heart syndrome, coarctation of the aorta, and l-transposition of the great arteries with ventricular inversion. He underwent his first surgery at a week old, a second at 5 months old, and is due for a third surgery around 2 years of age. After his second surgery he developed a blood clot in his ventricle. He is currently receiving injections for the clot twice a day. Trevor has lab work every other week to check blood levels. Thanks to Children’s Heart Institute, Trevor is thriving at 10 months of age. He loves to play with his big brother, going to the beach, and taking stroller rides. Trevor is adored by friends & family.
Amelia & SophiaAmelia and Sophie are identical twins, diagnosed in-utero with Tetralogy of Fallot. Shortly after their birth, Amelia’s diagnosis was changed to Truncus Arteriosus, where the primary defect is one “trunk” instead of a separate aorta and pulmonary artery. In addition, her truncal valve was malformed causing severe backflow. Amelia had her first open-heart surgery at 5 days old and her second shortly after her 1st birthday. She is currently benefiting from newer technology — a bovine jugular vein in the place of a pulmonary artery. She will need a few more surgeries as she grows. Sophie had her first, and potentially last, surgery when she was 5 months old. Amelia will be monitored for potential issues. Both Amelia and Sophie have such zest for life. They are healthy and energetic two-year- olds who love just about everything, especially books, exploring and giving each other bear hugs.
