Ava Sheeran Ava Sheeran - #AvaStrong

   Welcome to our CaringBridge website.  We are using it to keep family and friends updated on Ava's surgery.  We appreciate your support and words of hope and encouragement.  Thank you for visiting.

   Ava was born on 8/22/05 with several congenital heart defects, none of witch were detected prior to her birth.  Approximately 8 hours after birth Ava turned blue and was rushed to the special care nursery where it was discovered that something was wrong with her heart.  A transport team from Boston came and she was moved to Children's Hospital.  We were told that Ava had a very serious condition and would need surgery right away.  She had her first open heart surgery at 5 days old.  Unfortunately her condition is such that she has needed additional surgeries throughout her childhood, one at 5 months old, 4 years old and now at 12 years old.  This upcoming surgery may not be her last however it should be quite some time until she needs another.

   On Wednesday April 18 Ava will have a conduit replacement surgery at Boston's Children's Hospital.  She has outgrown her current conduit so they will replace it with an adult size to allow for adequate blood flow.  Typical recovery period is about 12 weeks however by week 3 Ava should be able to return to school part time.   Ava is understandably very nervous but at the same time she is looking forward to feeling better.  It has been a tough year for her, she has been unable to physically participate in a lot of activities and keep up with her friends. 

   Ava as most of you know is really an exceptional girl.  She has been through more in her short life than most people ever will.  Ava is so strong and courageous.  She is very smart, hard working and really gives her all in everything she does.   She is a straight "A" student, peer role model and an excellent friend.  Ava loves to sing and perform with her musical theater class, she has won several awards for her talents.  She loves to draw, swim, cook and spend time with her friends and family.  Ava can’t wait to get back to doing all the things she loves!  

#AvaStrong