Love for Austin and the Richards Family

Austin James Richards was diagnosed with Mild Aortic Stenosis at birth. His parents, Amy and Drew, were told that it most likely would not progress until Austin was much older. Austin was scheduled to receive a follow-up with the CHOP Pediatric Cardiology Unit at Saint Peter’s Hospital, but due to insurance difficulties, the family was denied a follow-up visit. Amy and Drew searched long and hard for the best pediatric cardiologist and came across Dr. Zales.

When Austin went in for his 3-month follow-up on Monday, March 11th, Dr. Zales discovered Austin’s Aortic Stenosis had progressed from mild to severe. This was unexpected and shocking news for the family, as Amy and Drew had not planned to drive to CHOP with their little guy that same day. However, Austin immediately captivated the hearts of the nurses and doctors and caused a ruckus by drawing people into his room to see his happy, smiling face, and also his incredible head of hair! After arriving at CHOP, the doctor found that Austin’s aortic valve was severely thickened. They did a procedure called Angioplasty with the hope of opening his valve, but it was not successful. CHOP decided that Austin needed to have a valve repair as soon as possible.

The valve repair surgery occurred on Monday, March 18th at CHOP. After hours of praying and waiting, Amy and Drew received the incredible news that the surgery was successful. The doctors were able to repair Austin’s valve. Austin was brought to the CICU that day and is currently there continuing his recovery. Our little warrior is strong, courageous, and under God’s protection.

Please join us in praying for Austin, Amy, Drew, Peyton, and Bella. They need your prayers and support more than ever. If you are in a position to donate to their family to help ease the hardship of medical bills, any amount would be greatly appreciated. Austin’s medical journey does not end here, as he will need the Ross procedure done in the future. We pray for a miracle and for God to touch Austin’s heart and heal him. We pray for a smooth recovery and for Austin to be brought home soon. We thank God for the miracles he has already performed. God bless Austin James.

“I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” (Philippians 4:13)