Thank you for your generosity and supporting this cause! 1 in 100 babies are born with a Congenital Heart Defect, and every donation will go towards better detection, treatment options, resources, and research!

In September 2019 at our anatomy scan, Lincoln was diagnosed with an Absent Ductus Venosus, an incredibly rare and life threatening diagnosis. The doctors gave us our options and discussed termination and further testing, and assured us that IF he survived the pregnancy, he'd likely go into heart failure. His umbilical vein was going directly into his right atrium causing extreme enlargement of his heart. There would likely be liver issues. Signs of heart failure (hydrops). Difficulty breathing and with regular oxygenation. The list went on and on.

While many children with heart defects are protected in utero and affected after birth, Linc's was the opposite. His heart defect was affecting him IN utero. One wonderful doctor told us "best case scenario we cut the umbilical cord and the problem no longer exists, and you deal with the effects of what occurred". We held onto that faith and went biweekly for scans. Monthly for echos. At 34 weeks, we were diagnosed with preeclampsia, what doctors told us actually saved Linc's life. His heart was taking up 75% of his chest cavity by the time he was delivered. Any longer, things would have been catastrophic for him.
 

While he did have a large amount of issues from being premature and having a brutal life threatening delivery, he of course had side effects from the heart defect such as liver, breathing and cardiac issues, as well as a secondary heart defect (Atrial Septal Defect). Otherwise, his heart was stable and functioning and we were told that as he grew, his heart would balance out over time and the enlargement would subside.

We spent 2.5 years at children's cardiology and have had the best experience. Our situation is unique compared to most Congenital Heart Defects, and we are beyond grateful Lincoln has been healthy and strong. His ASD has become small enough that we no longer need to be followed by cardiology. Should symptoms arise later in life, we would need to return to close the ASD. We are now focused on appreciating this incredible miracle and supporting others who are going through similar or different journies, multiple surgeries, and new diagnoses. Their lives are worth living and they are so resilient and strong, and with how common CHDs are, Linc sadly won't be the first or last child you know with CHDs! 
 

Thank you for the love and support over the years. For being kind and gentle when things were overwhelming and delicate. For helping keep him safe. For supporting the new research. We are the lucky ones to know and love our big-hearted guy!