“Your newborn needs open heart surgery.” After 9 months of bonding with her unborn child, that’s the last thing any mother wants to hear! But, as drastic as it sounds, statistics show that one in every 125 children will undergo this major procedure.
We spoke to a mother who’s on a mission to make sure no one else in our area experiences the loneliness and pain that she felt during that trying time alone. Her son had to have open heart surgery when he was 8 days old! She found Mended Little Hearts support program online, and chartered a local chapter for Oklahoma City. They do lots of things as a group now including hospital visits to other families with children who are heart patients, and group outings so that their children can meet peers who have experienced many of the same things.
The greatest thing about our interview was that we talked with her at her son’s first t-ball game! If it weren’t for the scar on his chest, you’d never know what he had been through to get to that major milestone. To me, they hit a homerun as a family before he ever stepped up to the plate!!
Support is good for the soul. It’s always good to have someone who’s been through what you’re going through by your side. If your child has been diagnosed with a heart disease log on to the Mended Little Hearts website below and find a chapter near you.
Anita,
Thank you!!! The impact that this story has had has been great. I have had several families contact me wanting to know more about the group so they could be involves. I have also had families contact me who’s child will be having surgery very soon. If you had not done the story, they may not have heard about us. Thank you so very much!!
Seth keeps asking when he will get to see you again. He wants you to come watch him play ball again!
Heartfully,
Kim