My name is, River, I was born in January 2021. Just two days after I was born, a nurse detected a heart murmur and recommended that I be evaluated the following day. I underwent my first echocardiogram, which confirmed I had an atrial septal defect (ASD) and a large ventricular septal defect (VSD). My parents knew that my heart required surgical repair. They were devastated, especially after experiencing one of the greatest joys of their lives.

The next day, a pediatrician explained what exactly an ASD and a VSD were. Doctors began weekly weight checks and supplemented formula to increase my caloric intake, but unfortunately, my heart was working so hard that I needed additional support to get nutrition. In May, I was admitted to the hospital for failure to thrive because I was unable to gain weight. During my hospitalization, they placed an NG tube.

We were fortunate to have a doctor who recognized how much I was struggling and advocated for my surgery to be scheduled sooner rather than later. Initially, the doctors had been waiting to ensure I gained enough weight for a more successful outcome, but this doctor understood that I needed urgent repair. Six weeks later, I underwent open-heart surgery. 

I am now a strong and resilient four-year-old boy! I am incredibly grateful for the exceptional care provided by the doctors at Children’s Hospital in Omaha.