Zachary Steven was born on May 27, 2015 in Geisinger Medical Center, Danville PA. Zachary was born with the congenital heart defects, d-TGA, ventricular septal defect, and pulmonary stenosis.
d-TGA is short for "dextro-Transposition of the Great Arteries"
In d-TGA, the two primary arteries branching off the heart - the aorta and the Pulmonary artery are transposed (switched) to the wrong ventricle.
What results is two separate blood flows:
1. Deoxygenated blood returns from body, but goes right back out again.
2. Oxygen rich blood comes in from lungs, goes to heart, and goes back to the lungs.
Zachary was life flighted at one day old to Nemours A I duPont in Wilmington Delaware where he had his first procedure through cardiac catherization. At 19 days old he underwent his first open heart surgery, and finally at 6 weeks old we brought Zachary back to Northeast PA.
His first few months brought us heart medication, difficulty with weight gain and feeding, and frequent visits to both his local cardiologist and pediatrician. At 8 months old, Zachary underwent his second open heart surgery, a modified Rastelli, and at 3 a third open heart surgery, a conduit revision.
Unfortunately Zachary is not finished with surgeries, but we are so grateful for all of the support, a phenomenal medical team both locally and far and have never given up hope. Each day, it is such a joy to watch him grow and thrive.
I walk to support the American Heart Association so that we can continue to research, and treat all with congenital heart defects and cardiovascular disease. We hope you’ll join our team and help support! Much Love,
Zach Attack