Congenital heart disease affects our household on a daily basis. Our amazing 9 year old, Braydon, was born with a “special heart.” Braydon was diagnosed with a Ventricular double outlet, a large Ventricular Septal Defect (VSD), and Transposition of the Great Vessels all through a fetal echocardiogram.  At 8 months old, Braydon went through open heart surgery to repair his special heart. Although Braydon appears to be a “very normal” little boy he will still need a few more surgeries throughout his lifetime.

Even though Braydon is doing so miraculously well I still find myself, as a mother, constantly “checking” on him. Each night while he is sleeping I still go into his room at least twice before I go to bed and place my hand over his chest to make sure I can feel his heart beat. I have been doing this since he was born and I’m sure it will continue for an even longer time. Braydon has been lucky and healthy enough to play on his local 3rd grade baseball team, participated in youth Tae Kwan Do and also enjoys fishing, ATV riding, gardening, swimming, cooking, and golf cart driving with his grandparents.  He is hoping to play football someday but sadly that is not a possiblity but we will let him try and do whatever he is healthy and capable of. There are little things you notice with Braydon, such as when he’s been outside for a while and he starts to get cold his lips will turn a slight shade of blue and that is when we need a “warming up break.” Recently, Braydon has started noticing episodes of "fluttering in his heart" where he says his heart is acting funny and beating fast.  The first time this occurred we rushed him to the emergency room and after many tests and phone calls up to the Masonic Children's Hospital it was determined that this is the beginning of what the doctors are calling heart failure. They explained that we will see changes in Braydon's energy levels and how his heart functions and that this is normal for a boy with his condition. This is Braydon's heart telling us that he will need his next surgery sometime soon.  When the heart palpitations show up Braydon does very well at staying calm and letting us know what is going on.  We then take his vitals and monitor him until it passes.  This is protocol unless more symptoms start occurring.

The medical staff were initially thinking that this summer Braydon would need to undergo open heart surgery. After undergoing a CT scan and a 48 hour heart monitor it was determined that Braydon will not need open heart surgery this year. They will however be doing a heart catheter procedure on September 28th to determine the exact measurements of the narrowing of his conduit. It will be during this procedure that they will decide if a stent is needed.  If they feel a stent is necessary they will be inserting it during the catheter procedure. If the stent will be needed we are hoping this will extend the life of his current conduit so that when he does eventually need the conduit replaced through open heart surgery they can use a larger sized one. This will then lessen the amount of open heart surgeries needed throughout his lifetime.   We are nervous going into this next phase but we know God is great and the power of prayer is amazing. We got this!

We are so very thankful for all the care and support through family, friends, technology, research, and most importantly our trust in God with helping Braydon became the little Heart Warrior he is today. We sure do love our little Braydon and are so very thankful for the time we have had and the future that’s in store for him.

Lasting Imprint is a non-profit corporation established by individuals committed to fighting congenital heart defects (CHD). Our inspiration comes from the big hearts of the children and adults that have fought and continue to fight CHD every day. Their hearts have touched ours and it is our hope that you join us in our efforts to leave a lasting imprint on the CHD community.

Lasting Imprint appreciates and thanks you for donations made to the efforts of this organization! Your money will be used to educate and raise awareness within our communities, along with providing hospital outreach programs, and family activities to those affected by congenital heart defects here in Minnesota. With your help there is no doubt that we will leave a Lasting Imprint on the hearts of many!

This family event will feature a 5K fun run, 1.5 mile Awareness Walk, Kids Fun Run and numerous kids activities. For more information or to register click the register button below.

Lasting Imprint is a non-profit corporation established by individuals committed to fighting congenital heart defects (CHD). Our inspiration comes from the big hearts of the children and adults that have fought and continue to fight CHD every day. Their hearts have touched ours and it is our hope that you join us in our efforts to leave a lasting imprint on the CHD community.