Gracelyn's Story: Our First Walk with Gracelyn

Our Story

Jeff and Andee were married in 2003. We were both born and raised in Utah. We have three sweet children. During a 23 week check up with our second child, the baby was diagnosed with Pulmonary Stenosis, a heart defect. She was born on December 16, 2009 when the doctors discovered she actually had Pulmonary Atresia, Tricuspid Atresia and Atrial Ectopic Tachycardia. After she was born she stayed at Primary Children's Medical Center for three weeks. During that time she had a BT Shunt and stent placed in her heart.

On June 4, 2010, Gracelyn received her Glenn shunt. During that time they removed her BT shunt and stent. She is doing great! The next step will be the Fontan procedure some time after she turns two.

We intend for this blog to keep family and friends aware of what's going on as our story progresses. We have learned so much and found strength from the blogs and websites of those that have previously gone through this that we want to share our story for those who will unfortunately face this as well, as there is currently no cure for Congenital Heart Disease. We are grateful for all the prayers on our behalf.

UPDATE: July 2013: Gracelyn was scheduled to have her Fontan this summer. Doctors feel like she is doing so great it can be postponed until next summer. We have recently contacted the Children's Hospital of Boston for second opinion. They believe they have an alternative to the Fontan. In September we will head to Boston to see what they can do for her.

UPDATE: April 2015- Gracelyn had her Fontan surgery on April 27, 2015. She flew through the procedure and recovery. It didn't happen immediately, but by day two she was a beautiful shade of pink.

Monday, March 8, 2010

Our First Walk with Gracelyn

We were so excited to get out of the house last Sunday and take Gracelyn for her first walk. We had decided that we could start going for walks once it hit 60 degrees. When we got home from church the sun was shining and it was about 55. We decided it was nice enough we could take her out. We bundled her up in a hat, gloves, coat, blanket and two car seat covers and headed out. It was so nice! Cole rode around on his new big boy bike and I pushed her in her stroller with Jeff chasing Cole and picking him up every time he crashed. It was nice to get her out of the house and get some fresh air. We are so excited for spring! It won't come soon enough!