At 23 weeks pregnant, I was told I would need to deliver at Sainte-Justine. My baby boy had a heart defect (TGA) and would need open-heart surgery just days after birth. That was the moment my world collapsed. Fear, sadness, helplessness — a whirlwind of emotions that followed me for the rest of my pregnancy.
At 37.5 weeks, I delivered by C-section. I had never seen so many people in a delivery room — an incredible team ready to care for my most precious person.
At 15 days old, it was finally surgery day. The worst and yet one of the best days of my life. Watching your child go through the operating room doors, not knowing if they will come back, is the most painful feeling a parent can experience. You would give anything to trade places.
At 4:30 p.m., the phone rang. The surgery could not have gone better. Our little soldier did amazingly well.
Two weeks later, we went home with light hearts, filled with gratitude for the Sainte-Justine team and the En Cœur Foundation, who supported us throughout the hospitalization. They helped soothe our hearts during this incredibly difficult time.
Four years later, our little boy is healthy, active, and full of life. We will be forever grateful.