Archer McGraw Archer Quinn McGraw

Welcome to our CaringBridge website. We've created it to keep friends and family updated about Archer so that no one needs to rely on my memory to send you an update. Get started by reading the introduction to our website, My Story.

Visit often to read the latest journal entries, visit the photo gallery, and write us a note in our guestbook.

Sincerely,
Anna (Archer's mom)

Archer Quinn McGraw
Born: 11-01-2010 at 9:32 AM
Weighed: 9 lbs. 13.6 oz.
Length: 21.7 inches

After Archer was born on November 1st and we were released from the hospital on the 4th, he unfortunately (but gratefully) ended up in the pediatric cardiac ICU at Mount Sinai hospital on the 12th of November and has been there since. He almost didn't survive.

Archer has congenital mitral valve stenosis (mild) and regurgitation (severe), which basically means his heart continuously re-pumps the same oxygenated blood from the lungs since the mitral valve does not completely open or close.  Because his valve is so leaky, the blood pools in his heart, backs up into the lungs and causes an increase in blood pressure in his heart and lungs, and makes it difficult for Archer to effectively get oxygenated blood through his body.

Apparently, there are only about 100 to 1000ish known cases in the world at a time. Add to that the fact that his condition is made even more rare since 1) the little tendon-like muscles connecting the valve to the rest of the heart tissue are a rare shape; and 2) that he (gratefully) only has one faulty valve where people with this problem usually have more and you get a unique and special boy with a VERY rare condition.

Despite Archer's challenges, he is a very easy-going, patient, and determined little guy.  He is so reasonable that he rarely cries, he just fusses, and as soon as someone works to meet his needs, he stops.  Because of that, when he does cry, you know something is really bothering him.

Archer is so popular at the hospital that the volunteers and nurses are practically waiting in line to hold him.  He is so lovable and captures peoples' hearts with his intense gaze and beautiful eyes.  He is certainly a charmer.  We love you, little man!