At 24 weeks gestation, Henry was diagnosed with a critical congenital heart defect - Tricuspid Atresia (HRHS). In short, only half of his heart developed and he would need surgery shortly after birth in order to survive.
At only 6 weeks old, he received his first open heart surgery. His recovery was tough, and over the following weeks, he received countless other surgeries and interventions.
He is now 2.5 years old and truly THRIVING. He will have his 5th (Fontan) open heart surgery at the age of 4. This surgery will allow for the deoxygenated blood in his body to bypass his heart, it will instead flow directly to his lungs.
Single ventricle heart defects like Henry's have no cure. Every surgery that he receives is palliative. Even after these surgeries, his heart is only pumping with one ventricle. Unfortunately, it is not uncommon for a single ventricle heart to eventually get tired and need to be transplanted. Even transplant is not a cure, it's swapping one disease for another.
Which is why we fundraise and spread awareness! Donations go towards research that can DIRECTLY improve the outlook for Henry and so many kids just like him. ❤️
