Sebastian's journey began with a congenital heart defect diagnosis at the family's 20-week ultrasound in October 2018. Born prematurely on Christmas Day in Fort Worth, Texas, he was immediately transferred to Cook Children's Hospital's NICU. His first open-heart surgery, a pulmonary artery band placement, occurred within his first two weeks of life. Despite initial progress, Sebastian faced further challenges, including the Glenn and Fontan surgeries in 2019 and 2023 respectively.

Despite post-surgery complications like Chylothorax, Sebastian showed resilience, even starting pre-K in August 2023. However, recurring illnesses, including pneumonia, rhinovirus and Coronavirus, led to extended hospital stays and missed schooling. Additional procedures, such as catheterization and stent placement, aimed to address rising heart pressures and plastic bronchitis.

Despite efforts, Sebastian's health remained precarious, with a collapsed lung necessitating emergency bronchoscopy. Cook Children's Hospital referred him to the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia for a lymphangiogram to assess and potentially address abnormal ducts causing plastic bronchitis. If unsuccessful, a heart transplant may be the final option.

Sebastian's medical journey has seen numerous hospital visits, including multiple trips to Fort Worth, within the last six months. Despite the challenges ahead, the family is optimistic about the specialized care Sebastian will receive in Philadelphia, viewing it as a life-saving opportunity.

Until then, CHOP (Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia) has requested that before Sebastian is considered a candidate for the lymphangiogram, Cook Children’s Cardiology and Pulmonology reopen Sebastian’s fenestration, which was placed during his Fontan procedure last summer in 2023. This can be achieved once more through a catheterization procedure, where they access his stent placed in April and then insert a reasonably-sized balloon into the fenestration to keep it open. The goal is for his fenestration to reopen, resulting in decreased heart pressures and fewer complications from other issues arising.

The family deeply appreciates every thought, prayer, and form of support they have received and continue to receive throughout Sebastian's journey. Dealing with the unknown, along with the costs of living arrangements, missed work, and accommodations, has been challenging during this time. Now, flight arrangements are being made for what lies ahead. Any assistance would be immensely valued and appreciated in any capacity. From Sebastian’s Duran family and Ramos family.