A resilient kid named Noah

On behalf of Vanessa,

It all started on a Friday the 13th; March 13th, 2009--a fighter was born. This date is probably predictive of his current love for anything horror; from movies, comics, and pajama pants to Halloween costumes. A charismatic 8th grader and member of his New Braunfels Jr High School band as a Saxophone player, he loves skateboarding, swimming in the summer and hanging with his pup rocket(pooter as he's nicknamed.)

All this to say, he was born special--His heart was with 2 weak valves.

His first open heart surgery was at 2 weeks, again at 2 months, and another just before he was 1.

Ultimately, the decision was made by medical staff to replace his valves at the age of 4. As Daunting as it may have been, surgery was successful and he grew healthy just as any other kid would into his teenage years.

Fast forward to 2022, and it was time to have his valves replaced once again. A carefully planned and orchestrated surgery began to come together in November 2022, and on January 27th, 2023 Noah had his second open heart surgery to replace his valves. This time, it would be 3 valves, or what's known as a "Ross" procedure. The same medical team who performed his procedure 10 years ago was back as they worked diligently throughout the all-day procedure.

Surgery concluded in the early hours of the following day with everything going as planned according to the doctors and surgeons. Noah is a resilient kid who has battled all his life, and this is just another hurdle he can and will overcome. The road to recovery has begun...

As stringent as visitation is now in the post-covid world, the ability to have family and friends visit is very restrictive.

With an expected hospital stay recovery time of at least 2 months, Vanessa and Noah could use a helping hand in any way. From reaching out and offering support, to any donation anyone may feel compelled to gift, everything is appreciated.

Please feel free to use this fundraiser as an opportunity to help Vanessa and Noah as they navigate through this trying time together with the love and support of family and friends.

With great love and gratitude,

Leonel Guajardo Jr.