Olivia Wasil’s Heart

Approximately two and half years ago, a 16-week ultrasound was performed on Mark and Jen’s twin babies, Isaac and Olivia.  At that appointment, doctors diagnosed Olivia with a rare condition called Congenitally Corrected Transposition of the Great Arteries (ccTGA), which comprises less than 1% of all congenital heart defects.  In people affected by ccTGA, the positions of the left and right ventricles of the heart (and their attached valves, i.e., the aorta and the pulmonary artery) are reversed.  This can cause heart rhythm problems, valve problems, and ultimately, heart failure.

“Livi” is a sweet, sassy, and active 2-year-old who loves playing with her twin brother Isaac and 4-year old big sister Kayla.  However, if she does not have surgery soon to correct this defect, it is likely that her heart will fail.  Therefore, the current plan is for Olivia to undergo 3 heart surgeries over the course of 1 year at the Lucile Packard Children’s Hospital at Stanford in Pal Alto, California.  Each surgery will require a 10- to 30-day stay in California.
1)      In November 2018, a band will be placed on her pulmonary artery.
2)      In May 2019, the band will be adjusted.
3)      In November 2019, the anatomy of her heart will be changed.  The ventricles and associated valves will be rearranged via a surgery called the Double Switch.

Jen and Mark are very positive: "Our family is confident that Stanford is the best place for Olivia to have these surgeries, and we are incredibly grateful for all of the people who helped us reach this decision and have supported us on our journey.  We truly cherish every day that our family spends together, and we focus on finding joy in all of the little things in life.  Most importantly, we are a family of faith.  We are thankful to God that there is a treatment option for her.  We continue to praise and trust Him during this situation because we know our God is a loving, compassionate father who will use this challenge for His purposes that are beyond our finite understanding (James 1:2-4; 1 Peter 1:6-9; Romans 5:3-4), understands our pain (John 11:33-35), and continues to overwhelm us with His comfort and peace (2 Corinthians 1:3-4)."

Donations will be used for healthcare costs as well as any expenses (airfare, lodging, transportation, and food) for their 3 trips to California.  If anyone would like to speak with Mark or Jen further, please do not hesitate to reach out to me or them.