2025 Cedar Valley Heart Walk

 
Jacob was born a fighter.

When I was pregnant, we had an anatomy scan at 20 weeks. During that ultrasound, I knew something was wrong. We got the news the day after finding out he was a boy that he also had a heart defect. We had lots of appointments in Iowa City until he was born on March 28, 2022. We were forewarned that at birth, he may not be breathing, may not be crying and would be very blue. He defied the odds and Jacob came into this world screaming.

We were able to bring him home shortly after birth and stayed home for six weeks before he had a low oxygen episode. At six weeks old, Jacob needed his first heart procedure; having a shunt placed. This required an 18-day hospital stay. This was a stressful time for our family as we were back and forth with appointments, monitoring oxygen levels, his weight and how much he was eating. Jacob had his second heart surgery at seven months old; called the Glenn. I remember he was so PINK after the procedure! He was such a strong little man. Fortunately, we were able to bring him home just four days after his second heart surgery.

Today he is a "normal" 3-year-old who loves to run around and play. He loves dinosaurs, tractors and getting dirty! Jacob is growing and his heart functions are fantastic. After a recent checkup, we learned Jacob is able to go another four months with no surgeries. We are prepping for his third open heart surgery, which will likely be scheduled later this year or Spring of next year.

Jacob has a big sister, Leila, who absolutely adores him. She loves spreading awareness and telling people about her brother's heart defect. She did the Kids Heart Challenge (formerly known as Jump Rope for Heart) through her school and raised over $500!

Jacob is not defined by his heart defect; he is a fighter and can do anything he puts his mind to. We will not let his defect hold him back.

          - Gelian, Jacob’s mom

It only takes a few steps to save lives like Jacob.

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