Protecting Children and Youth from Sudden Cardiac Arrest
Sierra was born with a congenital heart defect, Transposition of the Great Arteries (TGA), and Ventricular Septal Defect (VSD). She bravely battled two open heart surgeries before the age of one. As new parents we were amazed at the strength and ability of our sweet little girl to bounce back after each major surgery. Over the next few years Sierra led a happy, fun filled life, doing everything all children her age love to do. Then on April 14, 2011 as she glided gracefully up and down the lacrosse field, my life changed forever. Without warning, Sierra had gone into cardiac arrest and had collapsed on the field. If not for a couple of off duty nurses who performed CPR, my daughter’s life could have been cut tragically short. Sierra was rushed to the hospital, and over the next few weeks she was consumed by tests and studies to find out what was wrong. Doctors at AI DuPont Hospital determined that she had a compressed left main coronary artery, and a pulmonary valve insufficiency. After recovering from the cardiac arrest and regaining her strength, Sierra bravely faced open heart surgery for the third time in her young life. Doctors made the necessary repairs and later placed a defibrillator in her chest. Again, she made miraculous recovery. Sierra has always been active, loves sports, excels in Science and Math, and has a love of animals. This has been a very difficult and painful journey for her. She has give up some strenuous activities, especially sports. She has made some adjustments in her life, and some have been hard for her to understand. Thankfully, Sierra’s life will go on, the life of a miracle child who I think has beaten the odds time after time and is still warming the lives of those around her. Sierra’s attitude remains upbeat and her smile rarely leaves her face. She is not only an inspiration to her friends and family, but to other young children like herself who are going through difficult times.
1-302-994-5906
PO Box 4860 Wilmington, DE 19808