Jeff Loves To Fish, February 2006

Jeff & Dr. Bove Heart Reunion, Spring 2004

Jeff Laughing after dunking Dr. Bove, Spring 2004

Jeff with his family at Heart Reunion, Spring 2004

Jeff Loves Baseball, Summer 2005

Jeff Rock Climbing Racing To The Top, February 2006

Mom Makes Jeff Laugh, February 24th 2006

Jeff was born on a Wednesday morning October 6th, 1993. We were not aware of Jeff's heart condition until 4 hours after birth. Once discovered, Jeff was transported from our local hospital to a larger hospital 1 hour away. After Jeff was stabilized and baptized, he was sent by a survival flight plane to Ann Arbor, Michigan. We were told that Jeff's right ventricle was not large enough to sustain normal heart function and there were a series of surgeries that would save his life.

On Saturday October 9th, Jeff had his first heart surgery. It was a miracle; we were able to bring Jeff home within 8 days. He did come home with an NG tube, however after 2 days he decided he didn't need it anymore; he pulled it out and drank from his bottle. Amazing strength he showed as a baby.

Jeff then had his 2nd surgery at 5 months old and his 3rd final surgery at 18 months of age. There were a few hurdles to leap during these surgeries, including a severe sternum infection. Jeff was triumphant with them all.

Jeff has had to have 2 minor surgeries to have his sternum wires removed, probably because he is so active... Other than that, Jeff has had no illnesses.

Jeff has an annual check-up every year and continues to amaze us because if you can't see a scar on his chest, you would have no idea that Jeff has a congenital heart defect, utilizing only part of his heart.

Jeff is 12 years only now and in the 6th grade. Jeff plays Little League and is a top notch player. I am so amazed at what a normal, healthy and happy child he is that I now can go some days without thinking what he has been through. Our cardiologist has always been an encouragement and has told us to treat Jeff as if he were a healthy child, because he is!

I look up to all the doctors, nurses and surgeons with such respect and admiration for what they do and the miracle they help create each and every day.

We attended a Heart Reunion at the University of Michigan Hospital in 2004 and you will see a picture (attached) of Jeff dunking Dr. Bove in the dunk tank. Dr. Bove is an incredible surgeon and we were very fortunate to see him again and introduce him one more time to this incredible kid he helped fix.