Bankston's Battle for Beats
Donation protected
Hello! My name is Bankston, but you can also call me "Banksy". My mommy and daddy were so excited to find out that they were having a baby (me, of course). They were counting down the days and gleaming with excitement when the day finally came to find out if they would be blessed with a baby boy or a baby girl. When I was 18 gestational weeks old, they arrived at their appointment and they were thrilled to find out that I'm a boy!!!! It was all cheers and smiles until the ultrasound tech said that the doctor needed to come in and talk to them about something. The doctor said that I have a congenital heart defect called HLHS (Hypoplastic Left Heart Syndrome. More specifically, I have aortic stenosis and mitral valve stenosis). This means that my left ventricle is underdeveloped and it isn't efficiently pumping oxygenated blood to the rest of my body.
After I'm born, I will have to undergo a series of surgeries to make sure that my heart will work well so I'll have a good chance at life. I am expected to go through at least three open heart surgeries. The first procedure is called the Norwood, which I will have within the first week or two after I'm born. The recovery time varies for all babies but it can be expected to take a long time for me to recover. Then as long as the doctors are happy with my eating, breathing, weight, and any other possible hendoring factors, I will be able to leave the hospital and stay in hiding away from all of the germs out there, so I can be healthy enough to return for my second open heart surgery at around six months old. This surgery is called the Bi-directional Glenn Shunt procedure. I will be in the hospital for quite a while for recovery and monitoring. If all goes well, I will be able to go a couple years before having to have my third open heart surgery, the Fontan.
My mommy and daddy have really done their research and have toured the best pediatric cardiology hospitals to make the best choice. They are making every sacrifice necessary to give me the best opportunity of having a healthy life. I'll be strong for my mommy and daddy and I can't wait to see them. They are traveling out of state to give me the most experienced doctors with my condition and the best care. They will be met with lots of medical expenses as well as travel expenses. Please send your prayers and well wishes to my family and me as we embark upon my scary, beautiful journey of life. Any donations would be greatly appreciated and every little bit helps. We have a long battle ahead of us, but I know I will be surrounded by love and prayers and that will help to give me strength. Please share our story and be a part of my journey of triumph. Thank you for taking the time to read my story and may God bless you.
Follow me on Facebook @ Bankston's Battle for Beats!
After I'm born, I will have to undergo a series of surgeries to make sure that my heart will work well so I'll have a good chance at life. I am expected to go through at least three open heart surgeries. The first procedure is called the Norwood, which I will have within the first week or two after I'm born. The recovery time varies for all babies but it can be expected to take a long time for me to recover. Then as long as the doctors are happy with my eating, breathing, weight, and any other possible hendoring factors, I will be able to leave the hospital and stay in hiding away from all of the germs out there, so I can be healthy enough to return for my second open heart surgery at around six months old. This surgery is called the Bi-directional Glenn Shunt procedure. I will be in the hospital for quite a while for recovery and monitoring. If all goes well, I will be able to go a couple years before having to have my third open heart surgery, the Fontan.
My mommy and daddy have really done their research and have toured the best pediatric cardiology hospitals to make the best choice. They are making every sacrifice necessary to give me the best opportunity of having a healthy life. I'll be strong for my mommy and daddy and I can't wait to see them. They are traveling out of state to give me the most experienced doctors with my condition and the best care. They will be met with lots of medical expenses as well as travel expenses. Please send your prayers and well wishes to my family and me as we embark upon my scary, beautiful journey of life. Any donations would be greatly appreciated and every little bit helps. We have a long battle ahead of us, but I know I will be surrounded by love and prayers and that will help to give me strength. Please share our story and be a part of my journey of triumph. Thank you for taking the time to read my story and may God bless you.
Follow me on Facebook @ Bankston's Battle for Beats!
Organizer
Crystal N Blake Munsey
Organizer
Moore, OK