During a routine doctor visit on March 9th of 2012, we were told that we might have some health issues with the baby we were expecting in July, 2012. We were informed that there might be a number of issues after his/her arrival.

Our family received our little blessing, Annie, on June 15th and we received confirmation shortly after her birth that she did, in fact, have a number of issues with her little heart (which ultimately required corrective surgery a little over 1 year ago). Annie was diagnosed with Atrial Septal Defect (A.S.D.) and Ventrical Septal Defect (V.S.D.), along with a Cleft Mitral Valve on the left side of her heart (which regulates the proper blood flow within the heart). She was later diagnosed with regurgitation with her tricuspid valve, which is located on the right side of her heart.

She had her first open-heart surgery at a year and a half of age. She recovered remarkably fast. As I write this, she is now two-and-a-half-years old and is a beautiful little girl. We still have our daily struggles of OT, PT, speech, and feeding, but she loves to play with her two older brothers and does not have a problem standing up for herself and telling everyone “mo” (“no”). There’s more than likely another surgery in her future, but we will cross that bridge when we come to it. Right now, we are enjoying every moment and accomplishment she makes – no matter how big or small. She has a smile and a laugh that just lights up the room. The doctor appointments and echocardiograms will follow her for the rest of her life, but she is full of life thanks to many at CCHMC and other fine organizations supporting our family.