Kaden, born 2007

On April 27, 2007 we welcomed our third addition, a baby boy we named Kaden John. He was 8lbs. 1oz. and 20" long. He joined his big brother Avery and his big sister Kaeleigh.

 

Kaden's birth was special as he was born with four congenital heart defects. His CHDs included Transposition of the Great Arteries, Double Outlet Right Ventricle, Ventricular Septal Defect, and coronary artery fistula. At 11 days old, Kaden was put on a life flight to the Medical University of SC in Charleston for life saving heart surgery.

 

On May 11th, at 14 days old, Kaden was put in the hands of Dr. Scott Bradley and his surgical team for the complex surgery. His surgery lasted four long, stressful hours before we got the report of success! Dr. Bradley was able to perform an Arterial Switch and VSD repair and correct all four defects at the same time. We were able to finally bring our baby home on May 16th, just five days later. Kaden is doing amazing, he has even been called a "record breaker" by his cardiologist. His follow up care includes a lifetime of visits with his cardiologist to monitor his heart function. Kaden is getting so big and without seeing his chest, you would never know what he has been through. He is constant amazement to us and everyone who meets him. He is truly our hero!

 

Kaden was diagnosed at my 22 weeks ultrasound and we were able to prepare somewhat for what lay ahead. We tell Kaden's story to spread awareness for all children with CHD. For more information on Kaden's particular defects or how you can help, go to www.littlehearts.org and click on the CHD Explanation link.

 

Story by Sara, mom to Kaden - South Carolina