Patient and Family Stories
Lemuel's Story
21-month-old Lemuel was referred to Johns Hopkins Children’s Center when his pediatrician detected a pathological murmur. An echocardiogram and cardiac catheterization revealed there was a blockage above his aortic valve, resulting in a diagnosis of supravalvular aortic stenosis. In the summer of 2020, Lemuel underwent successful open-heart surgery to repair his valve.
Levi's Story
Born with transposition of the great arteries, 20-year-old Levi Silva required multiple surgeries over his lifetime. In summer 2020, Levi learned he would need to undergo his fourth open-heart surgery. After consulting multiple heart centers across the nation, Levi and his family felt that the Blalock-Taussig-Thomas Pediatric and Congenital Heart Center was the best fit.
Ruby's Story
At 6 months old, Ruby was diagnosed with a heart murmur, and a visit with pediatric cardiologist Joel Brenner confirmed that she had a hole in her heart. As Ruby grew, the hole in her heart grew larger until at 4 years old, Dr. Brenner told her family that Ruby would need surgery within the year.
Micah's Story
After 15-year-old Micah's chest pain was revealed to be an enlarged heart, surgeons placed a ventricular assist device to save his life — but ultimately Micah needed a transplant to prevent heart failure and return to being a normal, fun-loving teenager.
Kamari: Overcoming Obstacles
Born with hypoplastic right heart syndrome, Kamari had his first heart surgery when he was just 3 days old, and in the coming years, he would face more obstacles on the road to a heart transplant.
A 'Blue Baby' Returns to The Johns Hopkins Hospital
Michael Edenburn, 76, was two and a half years old when he underwent the operation that gave birth to modern cardiac surgery and has saved thousands of children’s lives since.
