Braxton Terrell Gainey was born on February 9, 2005. Our special little boy was diagnosed two months prior to his being born with Tricuspid Atresia, Ventricular Septal Defect (VSD), and Transposition of the Great Arteries (TGA). Braxton was born six weeks early, and at only five days old he had his first open heart surgery. He had his second surgery at 6 months old, and his most recent surgery was in May 2008. Through many sleepless nights and a lot of tense filled moments, we had faith in God and his care takers that Braxton would survive. God placed Braxton’s Pediatric Cardiologist, Dr. Charles Trant, in our lives for a reason, and he blessed Dr. Scott Bradley and the other surgeon’s during his many surgeries.
Braxton is now a typical four year old little boy who loves to play in the dirt, climb in trees, listen to music and watch cartoons. We would like to thank everyone at MUSC Childrens Hospital, especially the doctors and surgeons who took care of our wonderful son, and our hat goes off to the awesome staff on 7C. A very big thank you goes to the American Heart Association for funding vital research to further the treatment of cardiovascular diseases to help kids just like Braxton. We are proud to invite you to join us as we support the 2009 Start! Lowcountry Heart Walk campaign.
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Reagan Michelle Potter was born on April 16, 2005 with one of the more rare congenital heart defects, called Hypoplastic Left Heart Syndrome. Reagan’s heart condition was undiagnosed before birth, so we thought our little girl was healthy for the 1st couple days of life. The 3rd day was a whirlwind; she was flown from Greenville to MUSC. Her 1st of 3 planned surgeries took place a few days later & after a successful surgery & a long month in the PCICU, Reagan was able to come home. Her 2nd surgery was 6 months later & it too was successful. At 7 months old, her heart weakened & after a scary night in the ER, she had stabilized enough to be transferred back to MUSC. On Christmas Eve, she was put on the heart/lung machine & a week later, on New Year’s Eve, she was added to the transplant list. Because of the kindness of a stranger, Reagan’s new heart became available to her 14 days later. Thanks to the awesome pediatric cardiac team at MUSC, Reagan had another chance at life! The days and months after her transplant were hard, as her body tried to catch up to her awesome new heart. We are so thankful that God put each of these people in her life, & at the perfect time! Reagan, who just turned 4, is unstoppable! She is the happiest person that we have ever met, & has a love for life. Because of Reagan, we support the American Heart Association and its continued research of congenital heart defects and the many treatments. Please join us!
Since 1924 the American Heart Association has helped protect people of all ages and ethnicities from the ravages of heart disease and stroke. These diseases, the Nation's No.1 and No.3 killers, claim more than 910,000 American lives a year. The association invested more than $543 million in fiscal year 2005-06 for research, professional and public education, and advocacy so people across America can live stronger, longer lives.
Thanks to all our walkers, donors and volunteers who have accepted the challenge to help fight heart disease and stroke. We cannot achieve our mission without each one of you!
For more information please contact one of your Start! Heart Walk staff partners at (843) 853-1597 or via email at startwalk.lowcountrysc@heart.org
