Big Hearts to Little Hearts
Hello Friends and Family!
Next month, I will be running the Philadelphia Half Marathon on behalf of Big Hearts to Little Hearts, a local organization that raises money to fund research and projects dedicated to those impacted by congenital heart defects. Big Hearts to Little Hearts is also a primary contributor to The Cardiac Center at The Children's Hospital of Philadlephia (CHOP).
As many of you know, our baby girl was diagnosed with a critical congenital heart defect at a routine ultrasound back in January. The initial diagnosis was absolutely devestating relevant to the baby's condition at birth as well as her longterm prognosis. As such, Matt and I sought a second opinion at CHOP's Center for Fetal Diagnosis and Treatment (CFDT). From day one, the medical team assigned to our case expressed much needed hope and confidence in its ability to address the presenting issues as well as to address any challenges that might present in the future. Baby and I were followed closely and supported by CHOP's Fetal Heart Program for the remainder of my pregnancy. CHOP felt like our second home!
Sweet Baby Beyah was born at CHOP's Special Delivery Unit (SDU) on Monday, May 25th. She was immediately stabilized, and underwent open heart surgery three days later. By all immediate accounts, Beyah's surgery was successful, and her quick recovery was noted by all those who came into contact with her.
Each year in the United States, 1 in 120 babies is born with a congenital heart defect. Each year, CHOP's Cardiac Care Center performs more than 10 heart transplants, 850 cardiac cardiothorasic surgeries, 1,200 cardiac catheterizations, and 50,000 diagnostic tests, including electrocardiograms, echocardiograms, stress tests and cardiac MRIs. CHOP's overall survival rate for open heart surgery exceeds 96%.
We were able to take Beyah home from CHOP on June 5, 2015 - nearly 4 weeks earlier than expected - as Beyah's surgery was ultimately deemed a resounding success, and she continued to be an absolute champ in recovery. We cannot thank the doctors and nurses, midwives and surgeons and all the other specialists and professionsls at CHOP enough for their kindness and support. Their expertise and determination gave us hope, saved Beyah's life, and will continue to provide support in the future. There are no words to express our gratitude.
Please consider supporting me in running the Philadelphia Half Marathon on behalf of Big Hearts to Little Hearts and The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia in order to support others impacted by congenital heart defects, and in order to support more happy endings.
Beyah's journey:
May 25, 2015, Beyah is born
May 25, 2015, Beyah is stabilized.
Beyah in the Cardiac Intensive Care Unit (CICU)following surgery.
Beyah in recovery
Beyah in recovery
Beyah in recovery
Beyah is coming home
Beyah meets her sisters
Beyah 1 month
Beyah 2 months
Beyah 3 months
Beyah going on 4 months
Beyah 5 months
Next month, I will be running the Philadelphia Half Marathon on behalf of Big Hearts to Little Hearts, a local organization that raises money to fund research and projects dedicated to those impacted by congenital heart defects. Big Hearts to Little Hearts is also a primary contributor to The Cardiac Center at The Children's Hospital of Philadlephia (CHOP).
As many of you know, our baby girl was diagnosed with a critical congenital heart defect at a routine ultrasound back in January. The initial diagnosis was absolutely devestating relevant to the baby's condition at birth as well as her longterm prognosis. As such, Matt and I sought a second opinion at CHOP's Center for Fetal Diagnosis and Treatment (CFDT). From day one, the medical team assigned to our case expressed much needed hope and confidence in its ability to address the presenting issues as well as to address any challenges that might present in the future. Baby and I were followed closely and supported by CHOP's Fetal Heart Program for the remainder of my pregnancy. CHOP felt like our second home!
Sweet Baby Beyah was born at CHOP's Special Delivery Unit (SDU) on Monday, May 25th. She was immediately stabilized, and underwent open heart surgery three days later. By all immediate accounts, Beyah's surgery was successful, and her quick recovery was noted by all those who came into contact with her.
Each year in the United States, 1 in 120 babies is born with a congenital heart defect. Each year, CHOP's Cardiac Care Center performs more than 10 heart transplants, 850 cardiac cardiothorasic surgeries, 1,200 cardiac catheterizations, and 50,000 diagnostic tests, including electrocardiograms, echocardiograms, stress tests and cardiac MRIs. CHOP's overall survival rate for open heart surgery exceeds 96%.
We were able to take Beyah home from CHOP on June 5, 2015 - nearly 4 weeks earlier than expected - as Beyah's surgery was ultimately deemed a resounding success, and she continued to be an absolute champ in recovery. We cannot thank the doctors and nurses, midwives and surgeons and all the other specialists and professionsls at CHOP enough for their kindness and support. Their expertise and determination gave us hope, saved Beyah's life, and will continue to provide support in the future. There are no words to express our gratitude.
Please consider supporting me in running the Philadelphia Half Marathon on behalf of Big Hearts to Little Hearts and The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia in order to support others impacted by congenital heart defects, and in order to support more happy endings.
Beyah's journey:
May 25, 2015, Beyah is bornMay 25, 2015, Beyah is stabilized.Beyah in the Cardiac Intensive Care Unit (CICU)following surgery. Beyah in recoveryBeyah in recoveryBeyah in recoveryBeyah is coming homeBeyah meets her sistersBeyah 1 monthBeyah 2 monthsBeyah 3 monthsBeyah going on 4 monthsBeyah 5 monthsOrganizer
Phoebe Sutherland Kaufman
Organizer
Philadelphia, PA
Big Hearts To Little Hearts
Beneficiary