Meet Ashley and Jack

Jack was born a happy, healthy baby and went home! However, three weeks later Jack landed himself in the CICU at Cincinnati Children’s after finding an undiagnosed coarctation of the aorta. The next day, on March 16th, Jack underwent his open heart surgery. His surgery was successful and we were home after a week in the CICU and cardiac stepdown unit! A few months later Jack had a catheterization to balloon some residual coarctation, which was also very successful. Jack is now an energetic, wild, happy 2 year old living a perfectly normal life thanks to everyone who’s cared for him during his journey!

My experience is unique in that when I had our heart warrior, Jackson, I was also a nurse working in the CICU. To have a heart baby who ended up in the unit where I had spent 10 years of my career was extremely surreal. I had too much knowledge which created some extra fear, however I also had the peace of mind in knowing, trusting, and respecting all of the people who took care of Jack, especially in the CICU. I gained a whole new understanding of what our heart families go through and our experience has enabled me to practice at a new level of compassion and care. I am truly grateful for every member of the heart institute at Cincinnati children’s and I will never forget the dedicated and compassionate support they gave me and my family. I continue to work as nurse in the CICU and have dedicated myself to provide the same compassionate care that my family experienced.

The journey you’re about to embark on is scary and overwhelming and full of unknowns. However, rely on your support system and the resources provided to provide you strength and comfort. Trust in the process and those caring for your child, but never ever stop advocating for your kid. For those of you who have lost a child to heart disease, I am so sorry for your loss, but know that your children are always remembered. For those still fighting for their warriors, stay strong and faithful and hang in there.