When Chloe was born, she was rushed to the intensive care unit for tests because the doctors could tell something was amiss. Chloe was diagnosed with persistent truncus arteriousus, a rare congenital heart defect where the arteriousus blood vessel never properly divides into the pulmonary artery and the aorta, preventing normal blood flow through the heart. The condition can cause heart failure, among other problems, so Chloe was sent to the neonatal ICU at Wolfson Children’s Hospital where open heart surgery successfully corrected the defect. Shortly after surgery, Chloe was also diagnosed with DiGeorge syndrome, a congenital disease with symptoms including heart defects and a weakened immune system. Chloe will require additional open heart surgeries in the future, but for now she grows bigger and stronger every day. Chloe’s family is grateful for the expert care provided at Wolfson Children’s Hospital that's made it possible for Chloe to be a happy, smiling child who loves to color pictures and play outside with her brother and two dogs.
What a beautiful child! Thanks for representing Wolfson Children's Hospital and Jacksonville, Chloe!
Posted by: Vikki Mioduszewski | 07/20/2012 at 08:35 PM