Harper was born on November 26, 2007. At birth, he presented symptoms of congestion, so his mom and dad asked the nurses to check him out. Since Harper was delivered via C-section, they were worried about fluid being in his lungs. Harper stayed in NICU overnight. The next morning Mac and Michelle were told Harper had a ventricular septal defect (VSD), or “hole” in his heart. Within a week, they were told the hole would not repair itself and required surgery to close it.
Harper and his parents arrived at MUSC on May 6th to have pre-operative testing. Thankfully, all his levels were in line and surgery was performed at 6:30 the morning of May 7th. Dr. Scott Bradley of MUSC performed the 4 & ˝ hour surgery to repair Harper’s heart. Harper stayed in PCICU for three days before being moved to a “regular” room and then home. Since his surgery, Harper has had no lasting side effects. He has met his goals at each subsequent cardiologist visit, doubled his weight and is doing very well! Harper will always have a scar on his chest that will diminish as he gets older, but it is an important reminder to all who see it that life is precious and worth fighting for. It is so important to be thankful for the technology that has made this type of heart surgery possible, the ability of medical advances to enhance a doctor’s knowledge, and the opportunity families have to watch their loved ones have a chance at a healthy life.
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Follow the steps to create a personalized webpage showing your goal and your reasons for supporting the American Heart Association.
Send e-mails to your contacts asking them to make a secure online donation toward your campaign. Donors can expand their gift if they work for a matching gift company.
Attend the Start! Midlands Heart Walk and celebrate your achievement.
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! Midlands Heart Walk staff partners at (803) 806-3092 or via email at startwalk.midlandssc@heart.org
