Conor’s heart condition was first identified during his 20-week ultrasound. We were referred to a fetal care specialist for further evaluation, which confirmed the initial findings. Following that, we met with the pediatric cardiology team at Saint Louis Children’s Hospital, where a fetal echocardiogram revealed a narrowed aortic arch with coarctation and a ventricular septal defect (VSD), a hole between the two bottom heart chambers. After Conor’s birth, an additional hole between his upper heart chambers was also discovered called an atrial septal defect (ASD).

At just five days old, Conor underwent open-chest surgery to repair his aortic arch and close his ASD. His VSD did not require intervention due to its location. His recovery included a few setbacks, but after five weeks in the Cardiac ICU, he was finally able to come home and meet his big sister, Catherine.

Conor received physical and speech therapy in the following months, focusing on improving his feeding skills. Thanks to his progress, he was able to discontinue using his feeding tube and no longer required additional therapy support.

At one year old, Conor underwent a second, less-invasive procedure in the catheterization lab to address the narrowing in his pulmonary artery. During the procedure, his care team successfully ballooned the artery and expanded the pulmonary artery band that had been placed during his initial surgery, which had begun to cause stenosis. We’re happy to share that the procedure was successful, and Conor’s heart is now functioning well. He now only requires annual check-ins with his cardiologist.

We are incredibly grateful for his early diagnosis and for being so close to the outstanding team at Saint Louis Children’s Hospital. We’re also deeply thankful for our family and friends’ unwavering support throughout this journey— especially to Ollie Hinkle Heart Foundation (OHHF) for providing a community where we can share our story and feel connected with others who understand.

Conor is a happy, healthy three-year-old with a big love for trucks, sports, and—most of all—his sister and his dog. We feel incredibly lucky to call him ours.