After two seemingly perfect years watching our son grow and develop as any ordinary child should, it came as a complete shock to hear the words "heart murmur" during a wellness check with the pediatrician shortly after Arthur's second birthday. "I'm sure it's innocent," she reassured us. And so we presumed the same.
A few weeks later our world fell apart when we learned our son had a congenital heart defect— a diagnosis delivered tenderly by Arthur’s cardiologist during our initial encounter. Devastated by the unexpected results, our minds raced as we wrestled with reality (and a happy, healthy, high-spirited two-year-old— how could this be?)
Although we departed the Inova Pediatric Heart Center with hard news to wrap our heads around that afternoon, we also left with our cardiologist’s personal cell phone number— a sure sign that the people on this journey would make us feel like family.
Following a whole year of planning, preparation, and numerous hospital visits, Arthur underwent open-heart surgery three days after his third birthday. Terrifying as it was for all of us, we couldn’t have asked for a better experience. Indeed, the operation itself was a complete success, but it was the genuine hugs of comfort, the moments of much-needed mirth, and a constant feeling of belonging that turned a traumatic time into a treasured memory.
Today, with the help of Clifton Presbyterian Church Preschool, we are celebrating Arthur’s journey and the incredible individuals who played a role in making it meaningful. It is with great love and pride we’re a part of the Inova family now, your donation helps to ensure all future heart warriors and their loved ones are too.
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