Our son Henry was born extremely premature at 26 weeks and 6 days, and from the moment he entered the world, he has been a fighter.

Like many premature babies, Henry developed Patent ductus arteriosus (PDA), a heart condition where a blood vessel near the heart does not close after birth. After weeks of growing stronger, Henry reached 2.2 kg at 34 weeks, and doctors recommended a minimally invasive catheter procedure to close the PDA.

What we thought would be routine quickly became a life-threatening emergency.

During the procedure, the closure device did not fit properly and migrated into Henry’s pulmonary artery. When doctors attempted to retrieve it, Henry’s tricuspid valve was severely injured. He also developed a Pericardial effusion and cardiac tamponade, meaning the sac around his heart rapidly filled with fluid, increasing pressure on his heart.

Henry was rushed into emergency open-heart surgery. After surgery, his condition was so critical that he required Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) to support his heart and lungs.

Since then, Henry has undergone multiple heart surgeries, including an attempted valve repair that was unsuccessful. Surgeons ultimately performed a Starnes procedure, a complex surgery that permanently changes how his heart functions so he can survive. He has also undergone two additional procedures to maintain blood flow through his heart shunt.

Henry is currently fighting in the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU) and still has a long and complex heart journey ahead. Children who undergo the Starnes procedure typically require additional staged surgeries as they grow to help their circulation function properly. As well as lifelong cardiac care.

Our family lives 26 miles from the hospital, and we have been traveling back and forth constantly to be by Henry’s side. When he undergoes procedures or experiences medical emergencies, we often need to stay in temporary housing close to the hospital so we can respond quickly. Being nearby means we can be at Henry’s bedside whenever he needs us most.

Funds raised will help cover:

• Temporary housing near the hospital

• Travel expenses during Henry’s hospitalization

• Lost income while we remain at Henry’s bedside

Henry has already shown incredible strength in his short life. If you are able to donate, share his story, or keep him in your thoughts and prayers, it means more to our family than we can express.

Thank you for supporting our little warrior. ❤️

#TeamHenry #HeartsForHenry