I missed writing during CHD awareness week (Feb 7-14) while it was on my mind, I was busy with many other things and writing has been a bit of a challenge, though I am trying to do better. Then, this morning I was making my much needed rounds to all of my friend’s blogs that I have been so derilect in reading and on Emily’s blog (featuring her son Gabe) I came across this awesome blog:
They did a really neat set of awareness posts where each day for 7 days they posted 7 things centered around CHD awareness, etc. So, I decided that even though the official week is past, I would like to do the 7 for 7 myself. So here is my first set of 7:
7 Strangers Who Saved My Son’s Life
1. The emergency room people -they immediately pounced on Jacob when our nurse rushed him across the street to the hospital. I never saw people move so fast. We were later told by our cardiologist if it hadn’t been for their fast work Jacob wouldn’t have had a chance.
2. Our Transport Team – the ambulance came first and when it was decided that the ambulance would take to long and Jacob wouldn’t survive the trip the helicopter was called out. I don’t remember his name, but one of the men on the team stopped in at the PICU from time to time to check up on Jacob’s progress – it sure meant a lot.
3. PICU nurses – while there was an army and they were wonderful there was one named Bonnie who not only helped save our son’s life, but saved ours as well with her thoughfulness, caring, and spectacular advice. She helped us deal.
Also, a PICU nurse whom I think might have been named Chris. He listened to me. When he came on the night shift after Jacob had been extubated for most of the day (and his lungs collapsed)and I told him the Jacob’s color was off and his breathing wasn’t normal, he listened and got moving FAST.
4. Blood Donors – I have a new perspective on giving blood. If it wasn’t for people who donate blood we wouldn’t have Jacob. He had at least 2 transfusions which saved his life.
5. Our Surgeon, Dr. Iguidbashian – he sacrificed his Easter holiday to perform a surgery that couldn’t wait any longer.
6. Our Cardiologist, Dr. Legras – his quick work when we arrived at the PICU kept Jacob alive and stabalized him.
7. Jatene and Mustard In 1975, Dr. Jatene succeeded with the first arterial switch operation for the type of defect Jacob had (Transposition of the Great Arteries). The Jatene procedure, or arterial switch, was pioneered by Canadian cardiac surgeon William Mustard and it was named for Brazilian cardiac surgeon Adib Jatene, who was the first to use it successfully. 30 years later, my son is “fixed” because of their research. This is why advocacy is so important – because awareness of heart defects will lead the public, government and corporations to fund research. And research can and does lead to finding ways to repair more hearts. (borrowed from the blog that started the 7 for 7)
Fun and Flawed 
I really like the ideas you give me to think about, but this 7 for 7 is too, oh, I don’t know, important? to copy the idea.
It really is amazing what a difference a few people can make, isn’t it? I know from my own experience that a certain key person [like the ER person who was so quick to get to Jacob] can change/ save/ make a life. In health, mental and spiritual issues. Thank you for sharing your story.
I recently heard from my son that his 18 yr old brother-in-law just lost a close friend to a heart attack. The friend was also 18, and simply died one night in his sleep. Apparantly, he had had a known problem. I’ve a friend who died at age 35 [still too young to expect such a thing] from a heart attack with no prior problem! and I will never forget the phone call telling me of the death of a 12 year old girl who, although born with a hole in her heart, certainly was not expected to die at such a young age. Thank goodness for the research and great efforts of these specialized Drs. For your family it was heart, for mine it was brain, but these doctors and researchers give so much of themselves for others like us, whom they don’t even know until the emergency occurs. I thank God for the talent and amazing minds they have.
Thank you for your post! I think it is a wonderful thing to post any time of the year. These kids have changed our lives forever and they have taught such strength! I hope all is well…I have fallen behind on your blog, so I plan to catch up over the next few days.
Heart Hugs,
Samantha
I have a new appreciation for the term “heart defect” these days. But aside from that, I am so glad that all those people contributed to Jacob’s well-being. I lost a nephew (he lived only a couple of days) who was born with a heart defect. It happened when I was just starting to plan a family of my own, and it was a profound experience. I’m so glad Jacob’s story is a “happily ever after” one.
I really enjoyed reading your post. Thank you for sharing … I may have to borrow that “7 Strangers” idea … :).
Who took the picture of the hands shaped like a heart, encompassing an infant’s feet? It is amazing!
It is an amazing photo – I have no idea who took it, it was just the header for that particular blog. I sure love it though.
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