Chad Peterson Medical Fund

If you know the Petersons, you know resilience and strength! Chad, Leah and their sons, Josh and Dillon have had their share of challenges. No matter what is thrown at them, they hit it head on with a positive attitude, courage and laughter. For example, in 2014, when Josh was in the hospital recovering from a stroke, they didn’t ask for help, they asked for knock knock jokes and Chuck Norris jokes. (You can read more about Josh here: https://www.caringbridge.org/visit/joshuawilliampeterson )

You’re reading this today because, last November, Chad's doctor discovered a heart murmur at a routine physical and referred him to a cardiologist. A few tests later and Chad was scheduled to see a CardioThoracic Surgeon on Feb 8. The surgeon explained that Chad was born with a bicuspid aortic valve that started to leak back into the left ventricle (aortic valve regurgitation). It also caused aneurysmal dilation of the aortic root and ascending aorta. The decision was made to replace the damaged sections of the aorta (root and ascending) and the valve. On March 3, Chad had open heart surgery that included replacement of the ascending aorta, aortic root, and valve. The surgery went well and according to plan. He was on bypass for about 3 hours including deep hypothermic circulatory arrest (DHCA ) for about an hour so they could work on the aortic arch. He woke up with great neuro signs (significant because of the DHCA which stops blood flow to the brain), was taken off the vent, as expected and started the healing process. The nurse was happy to report that he made nice gains throughout the night.  

The next day didn’t go as smoothly as the first. Chad's pressures dropped and his chest tube started draining a significant amount which  indicated internal bleeding. Tests could not locate the cause so he was taken into the OR to open his chest again, to search for the bleed. Unfortunately, it was in a tough spot to reach so they put him back on bypass and was in the second surgery for about 4 hours. (It sure felt a lot longer than that!!)

A couple days later, they had to open his chest for the 3rd time. The 3rd surgery resulted in a blood clot, causing a stroke. As I write this, Chad is recovering in the hospital. There have been many devastating setbacks, but this is a strong bunch and they’re going to show these setbacks who’s boss!! As you can imagine, there is a long road ahead. Once Chad leaves the hospital, he will have very strict physical restrictions, miss a lot of work and will be in therapy for quite some time. 

We want them to focus on healing and each other, and do not want them dealing with any extra responsibilities, like paying medical bills. Because of COVID, none of us can be there for them the way we would like. We’re thankful to have this platform to help them. Let’s do more than tell knock knock jokes, let’s show this amazing family our support. (Knock knock jokes are always welcome.)

You can follow Chad’s journey here: https://www.caringbridge.org/public/chadpeterson50  Leah is a wonderful writer and we are so thankful for the updates.

Your kind words of support and prayers mean the world to them and our family. They’re working, so please keep ‘em coming!! 

Thank you,

Adam (Leah’s brother) & Jodi Sorenson