Arabella was first diagnosed with a congenital heart defect at 2 months of age. She was hospitalized for what we thought was symptoms of Pneumonia, but found out she had a significant heart murmur. Her pediatrician, Dr. Erika Hunter, urged us to see a Cardiologist. We saw Dr. Rivera at OSF, which is who diagnosed Arabella with a VSD (Ventricular Septal Defect) - or a hole in her heart. ...con' t
If you're looking for Arabella's CaringBridge site, it's still up - you can get there by clicking here. They certainly are a wonderful organization!
There are a ton of folks we'd love to identify as making this hospitalization go much better than it could have - to start, here's a short list:
- Dr. Fortuna - our surgeon
- Dr. Rivera - our cardiologist
- Dr. Bash - pace maker specialist
- Dr. Deshpande - OSF Intinsivist
- Dr. Torres - OSF Intinsivist
- Dr. Ross - OSF Intinsivist
- a GREAT team of nurses at OSF PICU
ALL OUR THANKS
Our intentions in creating this site is not only to raise awareness of congenital heart defects that Arabella has dealt with, but to raise awareness of them in general. If we can help parents, siblings, families and friends know more about VSD, ASD, and associated conditions, then perhaps we can help folks get ready for what will happen to their loved one.
Please feel free to look around the site, visit the forum, ask questions, and be prepared to learn and be taken into the family of those involved with these afflictions.
The benefit is on! The Megasonics, StepDown, Deeper Blues with Lane Baldwin and more. Click here.
Donations accepted here :