Baby Bronson's HLHS Heart Fund
Donation protected
Half The Heart, Twice The Fight
On March 3rd, 2017 a beautiful baby boy was welcomed into the world! Bronson Cory Bullock made his entrance at 10:54 am, at 19" long and weighing 6lbs 2oz. The hearts of Baby Bronson's loved ones were overwhelmed with love and excitement for their new addition! Shortly after his debut, however, reality began to settle in. Upon his 20 week ultrasound, Baby Bronson was diagnosed with Hypoplastic Left Heart Syndrome (HLHS). In summary, HLHS is a severe congenital disease in which the entire left side of the heart is critically underdeveloped. Our little baby came into the world strong and ready to fight, but the journey ahead will not be easy. In the first few years of life, baby Bronson will undergo three strenuous, reconstructive open-heart surgeries: the Norwood, the Glenn, and the Fontan. These surgeries will work to re-route his little heart so that the right half of his heart can do the work for both the right and left side, and will equip him for life until a transplant will eventually be necessary. In just a few short weeks, Bronson has captured the hearts of both his family, and his nurses. We are ready to take on the emotional rollercoaster, and fight this battle right alongside him. As you may already know, one of the many difficulties in battling a chronic illness is the financial stress it can cause. This page has been created in hopes to supplement the overwhelming medical bills that will continue to arise throughout this journey. Our family thanks you in advance for allowing us to share Bronson's story with you! For those of you who are willing & able, any form of donation is greatly appreciated. We ask that you please keep Bronson in your thoughts and prayers as he journeys his way through the ups and downs of HLHS.
"Before I formed you in the womb, I knew you. Before you were born, I set you apart." Jeremiah 1:5
Read More about HLHS Here: Click Here
A Message From the Mama:
On July 11th, 2016 Mario and I were very excited to find out we were expecting Baby #2. On August 4th, 2016 we had our first doctor’s appointment/ultrasound and they told us we were due March 15, 2017. My pregnancy was progressing as normal. After weeks of waiting, the day had finally arrived, the 20 week ultrasound!! We were anxious to find out if Baby B was a Boy or a Girl ….. It was a BOY!!! After the initial shock, excitement and tears, I remember the worried look on the Ultrasound Tech’s face and I knew something was wrong. The Ultrasound Tech had stepped out for a moment and when she returned with the Radiologist I knew they were worried. The radiologist had taken a look at the ultrasound and told us he was concerned with an area of our son’s heart. He was worried our son had a Congenital Heart Defect. Without going into great detail, he had referred us to a Fetal Maternal Medicine Specialist. I met with the Fetal Medicine Specialist that following Tuesday, while Mario was stuck at work. They had done a more in depth ultrasound focusing on our son’s heart. After reviewing the ultrasound, the doctor told me our son had Hypoplastic Left Heart Syndrome (HLHS).
HLHS is a severe congenital heart defect in which the left side of the heart is underdeveloped. In a normal heart, the heart's left side has the job of pumping oxygenated blood into the aorta, the large artery that carries blood to the body. In a child with HLHS, the mitral valve, which separates the two left chambers of the heart, is too small or completely closed (atretic). The left ventricle (the lower, pumping chamber) is very small. And the aortic valve, which separates the left ventricle and the aorta, is too small or completely closed (atretic).
I was devastated! So many emotions were running through my head. Fear, Anger, Sadness, Hate, Devastation. I immediately broke down; I could barely hear what the doctor was saying. After explaining to me what HLHS was and going over our options, we decided that day we were going to fight--fight for our son, fight for our family! In the weeks leading up to my due date we met with numerous specialists- Pediatric Cardiology, Pediatric Cardiothoracic Surgeons, PICU/NICU doctors and the list goes on. At that point I was scared. It was incredibly hard to enjoy the rest of my pregnancy. I always had the fear my son was going to go into heart failure and he wouldn’t make it. After talking with my OB, we decided it was best to schedule a planned C-Section. My doctor said it would be less stressful on the baby. On Friday, March 3, 2017 at 10:54 am we welcomed, our handsome 6 lb. 2 oz. 19” long son, Bronson Cory Bullock. I was in love!!! Soon after delivery, Bronson was taken to the NICU at St Mary’s in Madison. Bronson was in the NICU for roughly 3-4 hours before being transferred to the UW Children’s Hospital in Madison. Here I was stuck at St. Mary’s in Madison, just after giving birth, with no child. I was lost; however, I found comfort in knowing Bronson was where he needed to be, he was in the best hands. I was discharged on Monday, March 6th and immediately went to the UW Children’s Hospital. I held my son for the first time, I loved on him, I prayed for him and I cried for him. On Tuesday, March 7th, 2017 at 7:30 am my son wheeled away and underwent his first open heart surgery, the Norwood Procedure. It was the longest day of our life. After 11 long grueling hours, we were finally able to see him. It was a relief to know he did well, it was comforting to see him, but it was terrifying knowing the days and weeks to come weren’t going to be easy. We’ve been in the hospital every day since helping our son recover.
Our son will require a series of three reconstructive operations to repair his HLHS — the Norwood, Glenn and Fontan. His Glenn surgery will be scheduled between 3-6 months of age and the Fontan will be scheduled between 3-4 years old depending on how well he does. Eventually, Bronson will require a heart transplant. So far, Bronson has done amazing. He is truly my inspiration. In his short span of life he has been through more than most will go through in their entire life. Bronson is my heart, my soul, my reason for being. Bronson is my Heart Warrior. And although he only has half the heart, he has twice the fight.
Proud Mom
Big Sis Supporting Baby Brother
Mom, Dad, & Big Sister ready to welcome Baby B!
Our Little Fighter!
**Please note, out of respect for Baby Bronson & his family, we have decided not to include photos post-surgery.
On March 3rd, 2017 a beautiful baby boy was welcomed into the world! Bronson Cory Bullock made his entrance at 10:54 am, at 19" long and weighing 6lbs 2oz. The hearts of Baby Bronson's loved ones were overwhelmed with love and excitement for their new addition! Shortly after his debut, however, reality began to settle in. Upon his 20 week ultrasound, Baby Bronson was diagnosed with Hypoplastic Left Heart Syndrome (HLHS). In summary, HLHS is a severe congenital disease in which the entire left side of the heart is critically underdeveloped. Our little baby came into the world strong and ready to fight, but the journey ahead will not be easy. In the first few years of life, baby Bronson will undergo three strenuous, reconstructive open-heart surgeries: the Norwood, the Glenn, and the Fontan. These surgeries will work to re-route his little heart so that the right half of his heart can do the work for both the right and left side, and will equip him for life until a transplant will eventually be necessary. In just a few short weeks, Bronson has captured the hearts of both his family, and his nurses. We are ready to take on the emotional rollercoaster, and fight this battle right alongside him. As you may already know, one of the many difficulties in battling a chronic illness is the financial stress it can cause. This page has been created in hopes to supplement the overwhelming medical bills that will continue to arise throughout this journey. Our family thanks you in advance for allowing us to share Bronson's story with you! For those of you who are willing & able, any form of donation is greatly appreciated. We ask that you please keep Bronson in your thoughts and prayers as he journeys his way through the ups and downs of HLHS.
"Before I formed you in the womb, I knew you. Before you were born, I set you apart." Jeremiah 1:5
Read More about HLHS Here: Click Here
A Message From the Mama:
On July 11th, 2016 Mario and I were very excited to find out we were expecting Baby #2. On August 4th, 2016 we had our first doctor’s appointment/ultrasound and they told us we were due March 15, 2017. My pregnancy was progressing as normal. After weeks of waiting, the day had finally arrived, the 20 week ultrasound!! We were anxious to find out if Baby B was a Boy or a Girl ….. It was a BOY!!! After the initial shock, excitement and tears, I remember the worried look on the Ultrasound Tech’s face and I knew something was wrong. The Ultrasound Tech had stepped out for a moment and when she returned with the Radiologist I knew they were worried. The radiologist had taken a look at the ultrasound and told us he was concerned with an area of our son’s heart. He was worried our son had a Congenital Heart Defect. Without going into great detail, he had referred us to a Fetal Maternal Medicine Specialist. I met with the Fetal Medicine Specialist that following Tuesday, while Mario was stuck at work. They had done a more in depth ultrasound focusing on our son’s heart. After reviewing the ultrasound, the doctor told me our son had Hypoplastic Left Heart Syndrome (HLHS).
HLHS is a severe congenital heart defect in which the left side of the heart is underdeveloped. In a normal heart, the heart's left side has the job of pumping oxygenated blood into the aorta, the large artery that carries blood to the body. In a child with HLHS, the mitral valve, which separates the two left chambers of the heart, is too small or completely closed (atretic). The left ventricle (the lower, pumping chamber) is very small. And the aortic valve, which separates the left ventricle and the aorta, is too small or completely closed (atretic).
I was devastated! So many emotions were running through my head. Fear, Anger, Sadness, Hate, Devastation. I immediately broke down; I could barely hear what the doctor was saying. After explaining to me what HLHS was and going over our options, we decided that day we were going to fight--fight for our son, fight for our family! In the weeks leading up to my due date we met with numerous specialists- Pediatric Cardiology, Pediatric Cardiothoracic Surgeons, PICU/NICU doctors and the list goes on. At that point I was scared. It was incredibly hard to enjoy the rest of my pregnancy. I always had the fear my son was going to go into heart failure and he wouldn’t make it. After talking with my OB, we decided it was best to schedule a planned C-Section. My doctor said it would be less stressful on the baby. On Friday, March 3, 2017 at 10:54 am we welcomed, our handsome 6 lb. 2 oz. 19” long son, Bronson Cory Bullock. I was in love!!! Soon after delivery, Bronson was taken to the NICU at St Mary’s in Madison. Bronson was in the NICU for roughly 3-4 hours before being transferred to the UW Children’s Hospital in Madison. Here I was stuck at St. Mary’s in Madison, just after giving birth, with no child. I was lost; however, I found comfort in knowing Bronson was where he needed to be, he was in the best hands. I was discharged on Monday, March 6th and immediately went to the UW Children’s Hospital. I held my son for the first time, I loved on him, I prayed for him and I cried for him. On Tuesday, March 7th, 2017 at 7:30 am my son wheeled away and underwent his first open heart surgery, the Norwood Procedure. It was the longest day of our life. After 11 long grueling hours, we were finally able to see him. It was a relief to know he did well, it was comforting to see him, but it was terrifying knowing the days and weeks to come weren’t going to be easy. We’ve been in the hospital every day since helping our son recover.
Our son will require a series of three reconstructive operations to repair his HLHS — the Norwood, Glenn and Fontan. His Glenn surgery will be scheduled between 3-6 months of age and the Fontan will be scheduled between 3-4 years old depending on how well he does. Eventually, Bronson will require a heart transplant. So far, Bronson has done amazing. He is truly my inspiration. In his short span of life he has been through more than most will go through in their entire life. Bronson is my heart, my soul, my reason for being. Bronson is my Heart Warrior. And although he only has half the heart, he has twice the fight.
Proud Mom
Big Sis Supporting Baby Brother
Mom, Dad, & Big Sister ready to welcome Baby B!
Our Little Fighter!
**Please note, out of respect for Baby Bronson & his family, we have decided not to include photos post-surgery.
Organizer and beneficiary
Leah Corey
Organizer
Janesville, WI
Sarah Ann
Beneficiary
