Cardiovascular Program

In the early morning hours of September 18, Aidan was admitted to the Cardiology Intensive Care Unit at Children's. It was there that Dr. Peter Lausen and his team informed us that Aidan had a rare congenital heart defect known as Mitral Stenosis. Dr. Lausen educated us on the disease and explained that our baby was a very sick little boy.

In October, Aidan had his second cardiac catheterization. Following the procedure, we continued to make weekly visits to the cardiology clinic so that Aidan's progress could be monitored. The doctors who performed the catheterization, Dr. Peter Lang and Dr. Oscar Benavidez, were wonderful to us during this time.

In November 2001, they believed the best course of action for Aidan was to replace his mitral valve. On December 11, Aidan had open heart surgery to replace his valve with a St. Jude's valve.

We continue to visit the Cardiology Clinic every three to six months. Aidan is now an awesome little boy. His energy level is amazing -- sometimes too much! We are very lucky and so thankful that we live near such a great children's medical facility. Our family is extremely grateful to all the nurses and doctors who were part of Aidan's success.

Aidan relaxing at the pool in Florida, almost five years after his diagnosis

When we go back to the hospital now for Aidan's quarterly checkups, everyone remembers him and goes out of their way to make him feel at ease. The kind of attention and support that our family has received is just as important as the medical treatment.