Barrett London

Our lives were forever changed when joyfully Barrett London Burgess entered the world on December 28, 2003. Alfred and I had waited five long years, through two miscarriages for this wonderful little miracle we call our "Bear". My pregnancy for the most part was uneventful and we did not know until Bear was 12 hours old that there was a problem.

On Tuesday, December 30, 2003 Barrett was diagnosed with Truncus Arteriosus. I will forever remember that day. I couldn't understand how a baby that was so beautiful could be so sick. We didn't have a history of congenital defects in our family, how could this be happening to us.

Barrett was flown to The Medical University of South Carolina in Charleston and at nine days old he had his first surgery. I will never be able to explain how incredible the staff of that hospital made us feel, and how we went from zero knowledge on the subject of congenital heart defects to now being able to write a book on the subject (well almost!) The individuals from nurses to the wonderful fellow that answered even the stupidest of our questions made the experience not only a life saving one for our son but for us as well. Barrett did incredible with the surgery, even better than expected. The surgeon, Dr. Scott Bradley, was able to close Barrett 's chest, making his recovery quicker and because Bear was able to feed a couple of days before surgery, he didn't have any complications beginning the feeding process again. To this day he eats like a champ!

Barrett's current diagnosis is Truncus Arteriosus, palliated (repaired but not normal) with truncal valve insufficiency (valve leaks). He  also has a homograft (donor) valve on the right side of the heart. This fall he will have a catheterization performed to balloon his arteries (Barrett's graft has caused a narrowing. Then we will undergo the next surgery as early as summer 2005 depending on Barrett's growth and the valve.

It is amazing how well our little man has done and the strength that God daily gives to him and to us. He weighs 16 lbs. now and will be 5 months old next week. When we first found out about the defect, in those seemingly dark days, I asked myself, why us? But through friends and family and through the peace that only God can give we've realized we were chosen for a purpose and that we have a gift. I am blessed to have such a wonderful baby that is happy and that looks at me with such love. I am also blessed because I know that we are not in this alone and that no matter what happens in the days ahead God will give us the strength and wisdom to get through!