Ruth Isabel Henricks

Sweet Ruth Isabel is 21 months old with bright blonde hair, bright blue eyes, and a bright smile to match. Ruth was also born with a complex congenital heart condition requiring extensive surgery at birth. In the spring of 2022, she underwent a 2nd surgery to relieve a constriction around her left lung. Unfortunately, the constriction has not improved. After consulting with surgeons at Boston Children’s Hospital, it has been decided that Ruth needs to have a 3rd surgery. The surgery will include elongating her aortic arch and placing a splint around her bronchus (opening to the left lung). This surgery will be even more complex as the location of Ruth’s compression is unique only to her.

To prepare for the surgery, Ruth, Mom and Dad will be flying out to Boston for a series of tests beginning on December 18th, with the surgery planned for December 23rd. Two of the tests will require Ruth to undergo sedation and intubation. Surgery will be performed by a team of two cardiac surgeons and a general surgeon. Many details are still in motion, but Boston Children’s Hospital undoubtedly provides the expertise that Ruth needs for her surgery.

Anyone who knows Ruth’s parents, Dylan and Sophie, knows this is one special couple. They have a gift for serving others. Both Dylan and Sophie are nurses. Sophie works in the short stay unit at Saint Francis Medical Center. Dylan was a pediatric ICU nurse prior to becoming manager for Faith Community Nursing. They are also the parents of 3-year-old Ivy Rae and are expecting their third daughter on January 7th.

Many of us witness with awe how they faithfully trust God’s timing and planning for this surgery. When asking Dylan about the plans for Ruth he said, “God has led the way with us finding this team and them agreeing to take us on so quickly. With Sophie’s due date being January 7th, we very well may have a baby out in Boston. Please pray for timing and peace and for Ruth to tolerate all the hard days ahead. We are so thankful for God’s provision in her life and ours.”

As friends who dearly love this couple and their beautiful daughters, we ask first that you pray for them as they journey down this path God has divinely chosen for them. We also desire to provide this opportunity for others to help support them financially, as they will incur medical and travel expenses for this surgery.

We will update you as details and events progress for Ruth.