Baby Vienna

On 4/8/17 The Brattellis welcomed their second daughter, Vienna Eve Brattelli. It was unknown at the time, but Vienna was born with an ultra-rare form of Down Syndrome called Translocation. Although this news came as a surprise to Rich and Toni, they knew they would do whatever they needed to do to help their baby girl reach her full potential. They were once again completely caught off guard when Vienna’s EKG showed that she had a large hole in her heart and that she would need surgery to repair it in June.  

As they prepared for the surgery they were told the success rate for this surgery is very high and they would be able to prepare for Early Intervention Services soon after recovery. Rich and Toni were also made aware that because of the varying developmental disabilities that Vienna could incur, she will have to undergo many tests and she will need to see several doctors and therapists to help put her on the right path.  Besides her Pediatrician and Genetics doctor, she will also need to see a Physical Therapist, Cardiologist, Occupational Therapist, Social Worker, and Speech Therapist. 

Vienna had open heart surgery on June 20th and was expected to be in the hospital for 3-7 days at the most.  She underwent many complications, which prolonged Rich, Toni, and Vienna’s stay at Dupont to 24 days. The surgical team and nurses were unable to remove Vienna’s chest tube after surgery which required a second surgery.  Vienna then developed many issues that prolonged her stay in the hospital, including increased fluid that developed around her heart, an irregular heart rhythm that sporadically went from extreme highs to lows, and sodium levels being extremely low due to her Lasix medication.  She also did not gain sufficient weight, so she had to remain on a feeding tube.  

Vienna was finally discharged on July 14th, and came home on a feeding tube, as well as many different medicines to help her with her recovery and beyond.  Vienna has had and will have countless tests and doctor’s appointments as well as many Early Intervention Services which is putting a financial burden on Rich and Toni. Additionally, Toni has been out of work longer than expected, and co-pays, prescription costs, and bills are piling up. I don’t think there are many people in this world who can go through their entire lives without needing help at one time or another. This is the time for Rich and Toni.