Oliver Gray Hybert was born at home in Colorado Springs, Colorado, on February 22, 2021, weighing 8lbs 8oz. Initially appearing healthy, a routine check-in on February 24th revealed slightly low oxygen levels. Concerns escalated, leading to an ER visit and subsequent transfer to Children’s Hospital.

On February 26, 2021, Oliver was diagnosed with hypoplastic left heart syndrome, requiring immediate NICU care. In the NICU, Oliver faced challenges, including spells of apnea from the vital medication that kept Ollie’s patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) open until he could have his first open heart surgery. Transferred to Children’s Hospital of Colorado in Denver, he underwent open heart surgery on March 3, 2021. After a 62-day hospital stay, Oliver was finally home with his family. Shortly after being home, Oliver had a complication with the stent in his heart that was not safe to remove in the cath lab. This prompted Oliver’s team to proceed with his stage II surgery for his heart condition.

On June 3, 2021, Oliver had his second open heart surgery. Post-surgery, Oliver worked with therapists, achieving developmental milestones. However, ongoing challenges emerged, including thick scar tissue in his airway, leading to six surgeries in 2023 for his airway. Now thriving, Oliver faces at least one more open-heart surgery in the coming years. It’s crucial to note that surgeries do not cure his condition, and he will eventually require a heart transplant. Oliver’s story aims to raise awareness for congenital heart disease (CHD), and Ollie’s family remains hopeful for future medical advances.