Big Hearts 4 Sam Boston Bound

As Sammy approached his 4th birthday—one that many doubted he would see— we received word that he was eligible for a series of complex heart surgeries that could restore function to the left ventricle of his heart.  You see, Sammy was born with heterotaxy --a rare condition that accounts for 3% of all congenital heart defects --and Sammy's special heart included an underdeveloped left ventricle.  That means the right side of his  heart has been doing double-duty since birth because his left side is non-functional.  As a result, Sammy had his first open heart surgery at 4 mos. of age and thus began a journey leading to multiple complex and palliative heart surgeries destined to end in a heart transplant --if all went well.  But God had other plans.

We had heard of the world-renowned pediatric heart surgeons at Boston Children's Hospital and their bold efforts to nudge unworkable ventricles to do their job, and this intrigued us.  With 2 working ventricles, children  born with single ventricle hearts can forge a new path forward running, playing, and learning on full oxygen, and best of all, they could hope for a long lifespan. But, for years we were told Sammy was not a candidate.  We wholeheartedly believed differently and surgical innovation continued, so as the time for Sammy's second palliative open heart surgery approached, we drove from Edmond, Oklahoma to Boston, Massachusetts mid-pandemic, determined, and hopeful.  Many of you joined us in that journey-- and we thank you! You are Team Sammy-- and we want and need you to join us for Sammy's NEXT trip to BOSTON for Stage I of his bi-vent surgery in JUNE!  

There's so much more to tell and much we don't yet know.  However, we do know that Dad (Mike), Mom (Dacia), and our heart warrior, Sammy, will need to travel and stay in Boston for a minimum of one month for Stage I of the single ventricle to bi-vent conversion.  This procedure is designed to reroute circulation and build pressures that help enlarge the left ventricle and prepare the heart for two working ventricles.  The staged procedure also seeks to minimize shock to the heart, which can have difficulty adjusting to new pressures in the chambers.  Kids tend to do well with Stage I, but there are risks with open heart surgery, so we covet your prayers.  If all goes well and Sammy's left ventricle grows, he will return in approximately 6 months for full conversion, which comes with much greater risk of complications and extended stays in Boston.

Many of you have BIG HEARTS and have asked how you can help.  First, please continue to pray tremendously BOLD prayers with us, friends!  Pray for health, safety, travel mercies, and decisions yet to be made. Pray Mike's health insurance will cover most of the enormous cost associated with the hospital stays and surgical procedures.  We have seen so many answers to prayer already, we know God is working through Sammy.  Where others see half of a heart, we see Sammy has enough heart to grow our own hearts beyond what we ever believed possible.
 
The second way you can help is financially, if you are in a position to do so.  Money raised will be used for medical, family, and travel needs.  We are truly very grateful for you and those who suggested this very practical and meaningful way to support Mike, Dacia, and Sammy during this difficult journey.  You-- our friends, family, and friends we have yet to meet-- have shown us what it means to have a Big Heart-- and we thank you from the bottom of our own grateful hearts.  

We hope Sammy's Boston Bound heart journey to wellness encourages you as you travel your own life's journey.  Be sure to sign up to receive updates and learn more about our heart warrior and bundle of energy and joy, Sammy. 

We know Sammy's story has touched hearts around the world and we'd greatly appreciate you sharing his story.  Let's flood heaven's gates for our Super Sammy Braveheart who is Boston Bound!
Wholeheartedly,
Linda (Gigi) Harris