The first photo was taken on April 2, 2025 and the second photo was taken on April 2, 2026. 

On April 2, 2025, my little boy went in for a cardiac catheter procedure to gain the visuals of the anatomy to repair his heart without the requirement of a heart transplant as we had previously feared. I snapped this photo just before we checked in, as it was a huge moment for us. I wish I had known what was to come. 

The nursing staff that had cared for him previously in the CVICU all came down to celebrate his miraculous progress, as this child was hospitalized from the moment of birth until almost eight months of age. Surpassing all expectations, even when placed on ECMO not once, but twice! He was thriving, and this procedure was our final step before scheduling his life-saving and life-changing surgery. The nurses would always joke about how he never knew he was a "Cardiac Kid" because he thrived so much. The nurses blew bubbles and wished him well as he was about.to be transported to the operating room. I held him so tightly, as if my soul already knew what was coming and told him how much I loved him. I dismissed the feelings I had deep down as simple nerves and away my little boy went. Behind the double doors and I walked back into the waiting area to let them know that I was going to the café on the main floor. 

It had only been about an hour or so when I got the call to come back as the doctor needed to speak with me. I left and went up to see the doctor, and realized that I had forgotten my purse back at the café and I would be right back. My mind was simply that the procedure finished early, and there was nothing to worry about. These doctors had been the ones who saved my child, and knew his anatomy inside and out. I received a second call, this time it's more urgent - they say I need to come immediately. I cannot locate my purse, so I tell the security guard I lost my purse, but I have to go up to the fifth floor to see my son's doctor. 

I return to desk, and the receptionist immediately places me in a room and the doctor walks in with a grim look on his face. He sits down and tells me the worst news a parent could possibly hear. "Something went wrong during the procedure, and your son is actively bleeding out. He's been down for about 45 minutes and we have been manually pumping his heart to support oxygen flow to the brain." I just stared at him, and the first words out of my mouth as his finished were "Oh my God, I just lost my purse and now I'm going to lose my son...". I was in complete and utter shock, and that was the day that my entire world completely shattered. My little one was put to rest after fighting for 21 days on April 23, 2025. He was an organ donor, and was able to save the lives of two other people. This little boy is my hero, and I wanted to share his story with you. 

Thank you for allowing me to honor my little boy. 

November 22, 2022 - April 23, 2025

In honor of my beautiful boy, who taught me what true strength is.