Childen's Hospital Boston
International Visitorsdotted lineRequest Appointmentdotted lineDirections
 advanced search
About Us Find a Specialist Locations Careers Press Room Giving To
Clinical Services For Patients & Families For Health Professionals Research
My Child Has
or find by letter:  A-F  G-L  M-R  S-Z

Cardiovascular Program

 Cardiovascular Program
  History of Innovations
  Patient-Centered Care
  Experienced Physicians
  Unique Hospital Care
  Great City
  Statistics & Outcomes
 Patient Stories
 Email this page
 Printer Friendly
 X
Flower Anthony's Story: Rare Pulmonary Condition
Back to Patients' Stories
Anthony Our son, Anthony, was only three days old when he was transported to Children's Hospital Boston by ambulance. We should have been going home with him. Instead, we were trying to understand and deal with the horrifying reality that our son was very ill.

His condition was extremely rare. His left pulmonary artery had wrapped around his trachea and caused his trachea to be greatly underdeveloped. Anthony's situation was life threatening because his airway was significantly narrowed. In addition to the LPA sling and tracheal stenosis, Anthony's heart is on the right side of his chest and contains several other defects. As a result of his heart being on the right, there is only a partial lung behind it.

Surgery
At just one week old, our son underwent surgery to relocate his left pulmonary artery and attempt to widen his trachea. Through the miraculous work of Richard Jonas, MD, Dwight Jones, MD, and Roger Breitbart, MD, Anthony made it through surgery. He was then faced with the daunting task of learning how to breathe on his own. Even simple tasks such as drinking from a bottle challenged him, and had to be learned and monitored. The long road to recovery was just beginning.
Road to recovery
We spent the next three weeks in the CICU, watching as our son, unconscious much of the time, battled to breathe, heal and overcome pain. There were several endless and heartbreaking nights, but the determination and resilience in him as a newborn was unbelievable.
A place where miracles happen every day
Throughout our stay at Children's, the number of talented individuals caring for Anthony on a daily basis amazed us. The teams of specialists that routinely gathered around Anthony's bed to discuss his progress did more than just treat Anthony; they showed compassion and support for us as a family. At the same time, they were able to communicate the severity of Anthony's situation and the range of possible outcomes.

We consider ourselves very fortunate to have Dr. Breitbart as Anthony's cardiologist. Dr. Breitbart possesses the unique ability to make you feel as though you are his only patient. We had some tough days, and Dr. Breitbart was there to spend time with us, answer our questions and show the careful thought he put into Anthony's case. The entire staff at Children's Hospital Boston understands the importance of treating the family along with the child, just another amazing aspect of their care.

Anthony today
We could tell from the beginning that we were in a special place, a place where miracles happen every day. To see Anthony today as he runs and sings, laughs and plays is proof of that. Anthony will never remember what Children's Hospital Boston did for him. We will never forget.
 X
Contact Us Site Map Privacy Accessibility Give Now en Español