Anna's Story - She only has half a heart but half is all she needs.

In December of 2000 at our 20 week ultrasound we learned we were having a little girl we also learned that this little girl had a severe heart defect. We were told that if she survived to term she would need a series of 3 open heart surgeries with the end result that she would live her life using only half her heart. Anna was born full term in May of 2001 in Edmonton, Alberta Canada. It was expected that she would need her first open heart surgery immediately following birth but she was born with more heart defects than originally thought, these defects (ASD/VSD's) meant she was able to until she was 3 months old to have her first surgery(bi-directional Glenn), her second and final open heart surgery (Fontan) was when she was 2 years old. We have 3 older heart healthy children, we wondered what her quality of life would be compared to theirs, would she always be tired, would she run and play? would she be able to go to school? We spent hours on the internet looking for stories of other children like her, we found very few. Much has changed in the last ten years, the internet has become a great source of support and information for children and parents dealing with chd's and amazing advances has been made in treatments, surgeries and options for children like Anna, sadly there is still so much to be done, congenital heart defects continue to be responsible for more deaths in the first year of life than any other defect. Everyday new families are given the same information we were and are asking the same questions we did, Anna wanted to make this video for them. Anna is 10 now, she only has half a heart but she is so strong, beautiful and amazing half is all she needs. Hers is the positive story you are looking for :

Category:

People & Blogs

Tags:

• congenital heart defect
• tricuspid atresia
• Fontan surgery
• atrial septal defect
• ventricular septal defect
• heart babies
• bi-directional Glenn
• hypo-plastic right ventricle
• Ronald McDonald House
• open heart surgery

[123neetam456]

Anaa you look same as my daughter with Hypo plastic right heart, every one must be proud of u may God bless U for making this video.. mine is 1 year and 1 month old ... some day when she grows up she will be just like you... you small soldiers taught us well how important the life is>>> in my heart you are cute and a very brave girl

lots of love and prayers

[Champa5]

Hello Anna. Your video brought smiles to my 9 year old daughter with TOF. We went through our most recent surgery last Summer. It is so nice to see someone just like my baby gal being so strong and adorable.

[amyraesmith]

This is such an awesome video!!! Anna, you should be so proud of yourself. It is so cool to hear your story. My little boy was born with Truncus Arteriosus and a large VSD (he's almost one; will be on Valentine's Day); I hope that someday he is able to speak about his defects as well as you speak about yours!!! <3

[drnikki14]

Anna, you've got another mom sobbing here! My 7-month-old son was born with a severe aortic coarctation and hypoplastic arch. He's had two surgeries and one catheterization so far, as well as a stroke after his second surgery. After all he's been though, I think the question closest to my heart is, "why kind of life will he have?" You have answered my question in a beautiful way. Keep dancing, keep running, keep living life with exuberant energy, Anna. Love from Ottawa, Ontario.

[CSHGiles]

Thank you so much for giving a voice to CHDs! My daughter Hannah is 4 1/2 and she has DORV. Her final operation was done at Stollery as well. I felt like I was watching my little one in the video...she outruns the other kids at school, loves to draw, dance, and is bound and determined to play hockey! I hope our paths cross at some point, as we would love to meet another amazing girl with an even more amazing heart! God Bless, Sharon G.

[selgomezfan212]

Is this anna, the little girl with cf?

[MrsShelbyrae]

Anna your story left me sobbing and speechless. Eight weeks ago I gave birth to a baby boy with Tricuspid Atresia (VSD). The day that I saw your video, I was feeling like no one out there knew what we were going through. Your video found us exactly when we needed it most. Thank you! Keep reaching for the stars Anna, you are an amazing little girl. <3

[HeartMommaMeg27]

Beautiful video Anna, thank you for sharing! I have a 3 year old daughter who has had 4 open heart surgeries, and has the same defect as you!

[tmmills20]

This is an awesome video! My son, 7 months, was also born with a heart defect. Your video is inspiring and I hope someday my son would like to make a difference as she has. It will be okay! Here is our story, if you you tube search Braylon Wayne Mills, you can see our story.

From our heart family to yours...Merry Christmas!

[starryblueeyes94]

Aw, Anna is so adorable! Such an amazing little girl! I'm 24yrs old and have Tricuspid Atresia, Hypoplastic Right Ventricle like Anna. I'm 22yrs Post Fontan and doing well! There is Hope for CHDs, there is Always Hope! Thank you Anna for sharing your story and you keep living to the fullest sweet girl!