Welcome to Michael's CaringBridge website. We are using it to keep family and friends updated on Michael's health. We recently received word from the doctor's at Children's Hospital that Michael will need a heart transplant soon, something we've anticipated his whole life, but is only now becoming a reality.
The backstory: Michael was born with Hypoplastic Left Heart Syndrome and had a number of open heart surgeries before he was age 5. Check this out for more info about Hypoplastic Left Heart Syndrome:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hypoplastic_left_heart_syndrome (includes a helpful video). Michael has also had numerous minor surgeries over the years for general maintenance. All of these surgeries were performed to avoid a heart transplant and to buy Michael time. Ultimately it has bought him 30 years, far more than originally thought. We are so grateful for Children's Hospital and the skilled surgeons that saved Michael's life.
The past couple of years Michael has slowly been accumulating fluid in his mid section and other areas. Until the past year, the causes for this fluid retention went undiagnosed. Now we are beginning the process of pursuing a heart transplant, because the reasons for the fluid retention have become more clear.
We appreciate your support and words of hope and encouragement. Thank you for visiting!
