No one ever expects this to happen to them.
It happens to other families, other people, in other situations......
until it doesn't!
I am thankful for this new community we are now a part of.
Before we were "initiated" I had no idea how many people have had similar situations, similar stories, and similar positive outcomes.
No one can ever prepare you for the message that your "Baby" needs open heart surgery! While this was not anything we expected nor wanted to deal with we didn't really have a choice!
Here's Our Story...
Kennedy had been sick in February with Flu A and Strep...
She got better but a few short weeks later it was back. We were diagnosed with an ear infection and received antibiotics but after 5 days with a high fever and no reprieve something felt wrong. We went to urgent care where at first I was dismissed that she needed to ride out the antibiotics. After further examining her the doctor suggested we head to the emergency room for a chest xray (pneumonia) and to have a heart murmur looked into--this was the first we had EVER heard of Kennedy having a murmur.
We did as we were told and spent two days at Advent South. Antibiotics were administered for the pneumonia and they kept asking why we were checking her heart? I wasn't sure--but our original stop said to have it looked at so we stayed persistent.
We were released from Advent with a strong recommendation to follow up with the cardiologist just 48 hours later.
Naively I showed up to that appointment with coloring books, snacks and an optimistic attitude.
I was not prepared for what happened next. April 18th.
The doctor let us know that my sweet baby Ken Ken would need Open Heart Surgery-- and sooner rather than later. She had what is called ASD--or "a hole in her heart". It was too big to fix with a catheter and required the whole shibang. Tears burst out and I honestly am not sure what happened the next few weeks. Mommy went into autopilot...
we just started moving through the steps, kept everything calm for her, and made a plan to handle this like a BOSS!
And handle it like a BOSS she did.
I have never seen a braver, stronger, or more resilient child. She handled every obstacle like a champ. She just wanted the direct truth of exactly what was happening. NO sugar coating.
I am blown away by Kennedy and am so proud to be her Mother. I can't forget her sister Kylie either. It is not easy to watch someone you love, especially someone so small, go through something so scary. But we took a really unfortunate situation and made the absolute best of it.
I am so thankful for the night in that walk in clinic.
For the set of ears that was there to listen to Kennedy.
I am thankful I listened to my gut.
I am thankful that we had such amazing doctors, surgeons, nurses, and hospital staff.
I am thankful Kennedy was so strong and am beyond impressed by not only her physical toughness but also her mental toughness.
Kennedy and I (and our family) are THANKFUL for this platform and for the opportunity to HELP DO MORE for others that may be in a similar situation or may not even KNOW that they are in a similar situation.
Ken Ken for the Win, always! We are just getting started.
