The almost 26-year journey to this life changing open heart surgery began on day 2 of Griffin’s life when his amazing pediatrician, Dr. Alamo, heard a “click” in his heart, and immediately referred us to the wonderful Dr. Donna Rhoden, his pediatric cardiologist. She identified his bicuspid aortic valve congenital heart defect, as well as a murmur, and a hole in his heart. The hole was given a year to correct itself and thankfully it did. However, his bicuspid aortic valve, was just a part of his bi-valve (more than just the defect) disease. We always knew this day was coming, and are just so very grateful he made it to adulthood before the replacement valve was inevitable. He now has a mechanical aortic valve, and also had to have a graft completed on his aorta.

This is just a brand new, beautiful beginning for Griffin…..and now to focus on the healing, the recovery, the best years of his life still to come. Huge, grateful shout outs to his Cardiologists over the years and currently….Dr. Roth, Dr. Saef, Dr. Briston, Dr. Latson (at the Total Heart Center), Dr. Rhoden, his Congential Heart Defect Specialist Surgeon, Dr. Dentel, and all of their teams, support personnel, the nurses, PT, OT, staff, assistants, etc etc etc at MEMORIAL REGIONAL HOSPITAL (Joe Dimaggio, Total Heart Center) in Hollywood, Fl for taking such amazing care of my boy (well man now). We are so very, very grateful to have such an amazing dedicated team of medical professionals and support staff to ensure his health, comfort, and next steps moving forward (new meds, support medical devices, etc) are so thoroughly explained and tended to as he moves into this new and improved stage of his health!! Much love to all our family and friends, both near and far, with ❤️ALL OUR HEARTS ❤️, for your love, support, and positive vibes during this unprecedented and difficult part of his life. ONLY THE BEST TO COME!!❤️

Any money that is not used for Griffin’s medical expenses will be donated to the American Heart Association!