There have been many readers who have followed Gabrielle's story through caringbridge. At the end of this page, I have posted a link to caringbridge for those who wish to read more about Gabrielle but for those who need a synopsis, here you go...
In January, 2010, I went in for a routine ultrasound for my third baby. It was that ultrasound where you find out if you are having a boy or girl. Instead, we found out that the baby "might" have a problem with "her" heart and were sent to a pediatric cardiologist to have a fetal echocardiagram. From that, our baby was diagnosed with Hypoplastic Left Heart Syndrome. The left ventricle of her heart was unformed and the defect meant a future of three open heart surgeries over three years. At a follow-up appointment, a second defect was found called Coronary Fistulas. This defect made repairing the heart extremely dangerous if not impossible. We were told that the only way our baby would survive is with a heart transplant.
Gabrielle was born on May 11th and immediately transported to Seattle Children's. She had her first open heart surgery that stabilized her heart and after three weeks, she came home. She was actually listed on UNOS two weeks before she was born, but we were extremely blessed to be able to wait at home for her heart. We waited and waited...all while Gabrielle did great. She slowly learned how to eat from a bottle and at 4 months, no longer needed a NG tube. We loved every minute with her knowing that the future was unknown.
6 months and 5 days later, Gabrielle got her new heart. The surgery was long but she did great and believe it or not, two weeks later she was home.
Gabrielle is progressing like a champ and surprising so many people...including us. Looking back, I know there is no explanation to any of this, other than God.
If you would like to read more about Gab, check out her caringbridge.
http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/gabriellesimon
Pictures: A few from start to current....coming soon...
