More Than a Scar: A Life Defined by Courage
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Inspiration Spotlight
Meet Samantha
Tell us about yourself and your heart journey.
I am 38 years old from Huntington, WV. I have had six open heart surgeries and one carotid-subclavian bypass. I was born with coarctation of the aorta, ventricular septal defect, pulmonary stenosis and transposition of the great vessels. All of my surgeries have been done at WVU Children’s Hospital in Morgantown, WV and Nationwide Children’s Hospital in Columbus, Ohio. I have two wonderful bonus kids and a wonderful boyfriend.
We believe in supporting each other through sharing inspiring stories and connecting our community. Share with us more about your experience growing up with CHD.
Growing up with CHD I feel like I never let it define who I was. I knew I couldn’t take off and run around the yard with my brother and sister as long as they did and I was okay with that. I never had any limitations from my doctors, just the ones I put on myself, which I now regret. I was always afraid. I don’t remember my life without having my scars. My parents have no pictures of me without scars on my body. I was three days old when I had my first surgery. No – my skin is not blemish free, or scar free, but I AM beautiful. My scars make me who I am, and they remind me of the pain I went through. Every chest tube that was pulled, every suture that was removed, every sleepless night because I was in too much pain to get comfortable. I am reminded of how my parents never left my side, even after visiting hours were over. I want parents of CHD children or even younger CHD kids to look at me and see that there is hope, hope for today, hope for tomorrow. One surgery, in particular, I was given three percent chance of survival. Don’t be ashamed of your scar(s), for without them, we wouldn’t be here today!
For new parents or family members just starting their journey with CHD, do you have any advice?
Take the pictures. I know it may be hard to see your child like that, but eventually, they will want to see themselves and I wish my parents would have taken more pictures of me as a child going through all of my surgeries.
