Many years ago (late 80s) 2 teenagers met and fell in love, though after high school they went their separate ways. Well over a decade and half later they reconnected and became closer than ever. They wished so desperately for the culmination of their love would bear them fruit. It took another decade for this dream to be realized. Once Dawn Isabella Willow was realized it came to light that she h
ad several complications, the first was Trisomy 21 which is known commonly as Down Syndrome. The other major issue was a congenital heart defect (Ebstien's Anomaly, ASD, VSD, PDA) which threatened to take her from us before she really began living. Dawn went in for heart surgery at an age younger than any child had gone for similar complications. The surgery was successful, unfortunately it revealed the true weakness with the design of her heart. She was considered the sickest child in the southern united states afterwards. Within 15 hours after surgery she went on life support and the next day went back into the operating room for a second open heart surgery. The Dr that performed her surgery said he performed origami on her heart and created a heart valve that has never been done before. The Dr that did this was the same one that had performed the first surgery and was almost in tears after that surgery with a great burden weighing on him, as if he had failed her, but the second surgery he seemed as if he would have a lifetime of joyous follow-ups with Dawn. No one knows how long Dawn will have with her new heart, we are completely in uncharted territory. A lifetime of waiting has brought this world one of the most unique and beautifully original people Dawn Isabella Willow. Light up the Darkness forever and always, we can't let her down. At 2 1/2 it was time for the next chapter...
We knew this time would eventually come and it is here! The decision has been made by Dawn's cardiac team that it is time to repair her bad Tricuspid valve again. We have been so fortunate to have over 2 years without any major heart complications. She will now be scheduled for another open heart surgery and the surgeon will hopefully be able to do a 'simple' repair that will last a few more years or longer! And here we are 5 1/2 years later and we are moving into the next chapter in Dawn's heart health! The pressure are increasing and her valve is not working as it should. Time for another change...
