Ninja's Heart
From your heart for Janin’s ( Ninja's) heart
Ninja’s Story:
Judging by Ninja’s infectious smile, most people think nothing is wrong but, what they don’t see is the physical limitations that his condition brings. Simple tasks such as, climbing, running, or even eating brings exertion and stress to both his heart and body.
Our son Janin (aka) Ninja was born at 25 weeks, weighing in at 2lbs 2oz. Due to his premature state we knew that his NICU stay would be long. However, after his third day of life doctors also discovered he had a congenital heart disease known as Tetralogy-a-Fallot/Pulmonary Artesia. Having this condition means he was born with holes in between the ventricles, and without a major valve that sends the blood to the lungs.
Still underweight, doctors determined that he needed to undergo major surgery. Therefore, in 2013 at 4 months old Ninja was medivaced to Dallas Children’s to undergo his 1st major heart surgery. Ninja’s team of doctors were able to construct his non-existent pulmonary valve and patch up the holes in his heart to help sustain his life.
After several doctors’ visits it was discovered that the valve was not functioning as should be and once again, good and bad blood were mixing. Due to his size, the surgical team deemed it not safe for him to undergo another major surgery so soon. It was determined he would be able to survive for a short period of time with what was already done, so they postponed further surgical action until he gained more weight.
The gaining of weight turned out to be an arduous task for Janin. Holding true to his nickname "Ninja" he did just that....he fought and fought month to month keeping his feeds down. After, running different test and going through countless feeding techniques, and an insertion of a g-tube Ninja’s minimal weight gain put him in the position to be considered for his 2nd heart surgery.
After arriving at Dallas Children’s this past November Ninja’s surgery was put on hold for 3 weeks and rescheduled for 19 December. On December 18th, the day before surgery, Janin contracted an infection and surgery was yet again postponed. At this time we traveled back to El Paso to get well and await a new surgery date. If all goes well, Janin will undergo his second of many surgeries in late February.
Anyone, who has an ill family member, knows how stressful and easily medical bills, cost of care, and therapies can climb so, any extra help is always considered a blessing. The monies that are donated for Janin's cause will be used to help pay for his surgery, recovery, medicines, room and board for us as we travel to and from Dallas.
What else can we say other than God is good and thank you in advance for your prayers, and generosity to give!
God Bless,
Love Ninja and Family