Aidan was born in August 2004, with an undetected heart defect. He was our first born, a beautiful and what we thought healthy baby boy. At the hospital my husband and I had some concerns about Aidan and questioned; his non-eating habit, color and coldness of skin, we were told of a murmur they heard and that they would watch it. We were ignored, blown off and treated as "new and over protective
parents". Trusting the professionals we took Aidan home. Three hours after discharge is when our lives changed forever! Aidan woke up crying hysterically, as a first time mom I tried comforting him, changing his diaper and feeding him. After a few more attempts and nothing calming him,I called my mom. I began telling her that I thought Aidan was allergic to his formula or something for I could hear gurgling. My mom asked, if "Aidan was breathing?" I said, yes and she yelled,"I'm on my way". I screamed to my husband who was napping that something was wrong with Aidan, within minutes Aidan's coloring became flush and he had red streaks all over his body. As we were walking out the door to take
him to the hospital my mom was pullingup and together we took Aidan to the emergency room. After four and a half hours of numerous tests, lab work and pokes they still did not know what was wrong with our baby. The Doctor then called the nearest hospital with a Neonatal Unit and it was that Doctorwho diagnosed our sons' heart defect over the phone and immediately sent his transport team and medicine Aidan needed to stay alive. Upon arrival at the second hospital we meet with the cardiologist and were told that Aidan had been "REVIVED" during transport, that he was very, very sick
and of his heart defect; Hypoplastic Left Heart Syndrome (HLHS). HLHS is one of the most complex and severe cardiac defects and remains the most challenging to manage of all congenital heart defects (CHDs). Aidan was born with "half a heart" for his left side (the pumping chamber) was so severely underdeveloped, resulting in a situation where the left side of the heart is completely unable to support the circulation needed by the body's organs. If he was a candidate he would
undergoa series of 3 open-heart surgeries before the age of three and or need a heart transplant. We were devastated! Forty-five minuteslater we were allowed to see Aidan ,a sight forever etched in our minds. Our precious baby had so many wiresand tubes attached to him, so many lights, monitors, nurses, and Doctor's surrounding him. Our priest came and Baptized Aidan and gave him the Anointing of the Sick, quickly then after he was transported to a third hospital. Aidan wa transported to Children's Hospital of Michigan where they were equipped to care for him and his "special" heart. After a week and a half of uncertainty things began looking better. Aidan's test results were coming back positive and he soon became a candidate for the surgery. The 1st surgery, the Norwood was performed on September 1, 2004.Thankfully and Lord willing he was home 2 weeks later. Aidan came home with a feeding tube which he only needed a week also with oxygen which continued until after his second surgery. Aidan remained homebound, only leaving the house for doctor appointments until after the second surgery due to the high risk of infection. Aidan had the 2nd surgery, the Hemi-Fontan done at ten months of age (normally done between4-6 months of age) due to some wheezing and congestion. The Hemi-Fontan was performed on June 16, 2005. Again thankfully and Lord willing he was home 6-days later. Aidan no longer needed the extra oxygen! After a 6 week recovery all restrictions were lifted and Aidan was allowed out into the "WORLD". Aidan is a thriving, fun, energetic twenty month old that loves life and everyone around him. He has the biggest, brightest brown eyes and a smile that will light up any room. Through Aidan's eyes and heart we have learned how precious life is; we've learned to love more, give more, be more patient and are definitely more
faithful. We live one day at a time and do NOT take anything for granted. Simply put, we have become better people! Although we would never wish this journey on anyone we do NOT regret the lessons instilled within us. As proud, honored, dedicated and determined parents of a child with a heart defect it is our responsibility to do whatever we can in fighting for the cause. It is very important to our family that we tell the world about Aidan, our "MIRACLE", hoping to raise awareness about congenital heart defects. Raising awareness is important on many levels - it will provide hope for families of CHD survivors and comfort to those whose loved ones have lost their battles; it
will inform the public about symptoms of CHD's and possibly save lives. Aidan showed several symptoms of having a cardiac problem and his little body was going into shock before being discharged from the hospital. HLHS is not correctable but can be treated with the series of three reconstructive surgeries or heart transplantation. The surgeries have been around for about 26 years or so and with medical technologies and advancements improving every day, that alone gives Aidan, his heart buddies and us - HOPE. Aidan will require lifelong follow-ups by his cardiologist, will require some heart medications, may also be at risk for an infection on the hearts valves (endocarditis) and will have to take an antibiotic such as amoxicillin before having any dental work done and certain surgeries to prevent endocarditis. Aidan will never participate in any physical contact sports and will always have to be careful of hard blows to his chest. He must also be more careful throughout the winter months of simple illnesses such as the common cold or flu, for it could hospitalize Aidan causing more work on his heart. We wash ourhands a lot more and use a lot of hand sanitizer as preventative measures! Overall, it is expected that children with HLHS, will have a good quality of life: havefriends, play, and go on just like other children. Aidan had his 3rd and we pray last Open Heart surgery, the Fontan on June 26, 2006. Since then he has had 3 Heart Catherizations and numerous visits to his Cardiologist. During Aidan's 3rd Heart Cath, on June 4, 2007, he encountered a few complicatons with the procedure. It was more invasive as the Amplatzer Occluder Septal Device, a nickle titanium mesh was implanted to close a hole between the chambers in his heart that had never closed on its own. A complication from the Fontan surgery. Dispite the invasive nature of the last procedure Aidan has recovered tremendously from all of them. My husband and I were again blessed in September 2005 with our second baby, a beautiful and this time healthy baby boy we named Gabriel. We were also blessed again on March 23, 2010 with our 3rd and also healthy baby girl, Isabelle. Aidan is now 8 years old and living life to its fullest. He and his brother Gabriel played on the same baseball team this past summer. Aidan is doing well in school and he "likes his new teacher". When you look at Aidan you see the caring, loving, funny, and sometimes mischevious 8 year old that he is. He and his brother like Power Rangers, video games, and the Detroit Tigers. There is never a dull moment in the LaForest Household - its always bustling with love, life, and hope. Aidan will need to undergo another Heart Cath this winter. We pray all will go well. First and foremost thank you God for blessing us with your gifts. Many thanks to our family, friends,coworkers and to all the heart families who have shown us so much love and support. We love you all and appreciate all you do for us. To all the wonderful Doctors, Specialists, Nurses and Staff who care for Aidan - THANK YOU. We hold each of you in our hearts for you're such a part of our familyand our lives. Thank you for taking such great care of Aidan with your love, care, concern and most importantly your knowledge and wisdom.
