Primary Children’s 12 Days of Miracles: Day 3

Justin was only two weeks old when we first learned that he had a heart murmur and would require open heart surgery to correct it. In March 2012, Justin had surgery to close a very large VSD (Ventricular Septal Defect).

As parents we were very scared to say the least to have our 5 ½ month old son undergo a procedure of this magnitude. Our anxiety was lowered when we started the process of meeting the nurses, doctors and surgeon, Dr. Kaza, who were all very knowledgeable and helpful in answering our questions. Handing over our son to the doctors in the final moment prior to the surgery was one of the hardest things we’ve ever had to do; nevertheless, we knew he was in the best care possible. The preparation and surgery lasted approximately 4 hours at which point we able to see him again.

The surgery was a success! Our little boy who once struggled to breath, eat and grow was made whole again. Justin stayed at Primary Children’s Hospital for 4 more days and was then well enough to go home.

The biggest miracle of all was that Justin was back to his old self and playing with his two older sisters just two weeks after surgery. The scar on his chest has faded to the point where it is barely noticeable. At 15 months old, he is a happy, healthy baby and this miracle was made possible by the loving arms and tender care we all experienced at Primary Children’s Hospital.

Written by: Chris Fidler, Justin’s father