Marlee's Groundbreaking Heart Surgery: A First for Children with Congenital Defects

Marlee's Early Life and Diagnosis

• 👶 Marlee was abandoned at the hospital as a newborn, facing a life-threatening condition where the right side of her heart wasn't working.
• 🏥 Her initial prognosis was grim, with doctors emphasizing the need for surgery, but her biological mother's signature was required for the procedure.
• ❤️ Thankfully, the signature was obtained just before Marlee was to be placed on comfort care, allowing a life-saving surgery to proceed.

A Historic Medical Procedure

• ✨ Marlee underwent multiple heart surgeries over the years, culminating in a groundbreaking procedure this summer.
• 🩺 She became the first child to have her Fontan procedure taken down, enabling a complete heart function rather than a single ventricle route.
• 🌍 This advancement offers a second choice for patients with Ebstein's anomaly, extending treatment options to adults in their 20s and 30s.

Marlee's Thriving Present

• 💖 Today, Marlee is thriving, with the right side of her heart having grown by 50%.
• 👧 She attends school, dances, and lives a full life, a testament to medical advancements and her mother's advocacy.
• 🗣️ The importance of advocating for children is highlighted, ensuring they receive the care and loving homes they deserve.