Support Tony Teems III's Heart Journey

On August 19th, 2024, we (Tony and Brittany) were given the greatest gift we'd ever received. Our little boy, Tony A. Teems III, was born. Despite the light that he brought, we knew we were in for a trial. He had been diagnosed with Hypoplastic Left Heart Syndrome. The little guy would need open-heart surgery 3 days after his birth, a procedure known as the Norwood. He made it through, and we believed we were on the road to recovery. Unfortunately, a cardiac event less than two weeks later led to another open-chest surgery. Again, he defied all odds and fought his way through. Working his way back to health from there proved challenging and included yet another surgery to plicate his diaphragm. This got us home on October 24th.

From that date on, we had an amazing time learning all about Tiny Tony, as so many have lovingly dubbed him. Expected things like loving his dogs and colorful lights. Some unexpected things like loving heavy metal music and monster trucks to the point that sometimes only a guitar riff or revving engine would calm him. He is an absolute sweetheart and a blast to be around. He made our home complete and kept us on our toes too. The perfect missing piece.

The second stage of his recovery, the Glenn procedure, came on February 14th of this year. He went in and, with the help of some of the most amazing people we've ever met, came out a star. However, our joy would be short-lived.

Complications began arising a few days later that would inevitably lead to the conclusion that his little heart was failing. Having exhausted all options available, the news came that he would need to be placed on an external heart pump to await a transplant. We learned we would be waiting for 9 months to 2 years depending on his compatibility and overall health, during which he could not leave the hospital. During the late-night discussion which followed, an idea was proposed. A small chance operation that could save his life and possibly alter the course he found himself on. The odds were slim and dropping by the second, but the team made the call, and at 8:30 a.m. the following morning, Tony the Tank had his fourth open-heart surgery in 7 months.

The hours ticked by. Two, four, six. Then came the news we'd been waiting for. He made it through! Contrary to almost everything that should have stopped him, he pushed through again.

We're not out of the woods yet, but he's been stable enough that we're chipping away at the obstacles to get him home. He will still need a transplant eventually, but we are giving his heart the best chance it can have to make it till then.

On March the 21st, the de-escalation of

the sedation to wake up Tony started.

Initially he showed moderate improvement

and movement. Unfortunately from there

things went downhill. Despite the best

efforts of the team on hand he began

regressing. At 430am on the 22nd we were

informed he was not waking up and no

movement/ responses were present. A CT

showed no brain damage or changes

however it was obvious something had

gone wrong. We spent the better part of

the morning talking to him and spending

time with him as best we could. Family

and friends came to see him and gave him

all the love he could need. Around mid day

Tony began crashing. The team

immediately went to work to save him. We

stayed close and held his hand and told

him he'd make it. The decision was made

to place him on the external system to give

him the best chance of surviving. With

everything he was facing and once again

carrying the absolute slimmest chances of success he went in for emergency surgery

making this his 5th open heart and the 3rd

within 2 months.

3 hrs later.....Tony Made it

AGAIN! Thus, he is no longer Tiny Tony.

Forever more he is Tony the TANK! The

road we are now committed to is a very

long and hard one. We will not be able to

go home any time soon but we are here

with him and that makes anything

possible!

We are fundraising to help cover the cost of medical expenses.