Jonah’s life started differently that we expected. He was born with a cleft palate. After being home for 7 days, we followed up with cardiologists after his pediatrician heard an “inconsequential heart murmur.” Little did we know our lives were about to change. He was immediately hospitalized and we were told, “your son has a series of four major heart defects, we can’t believe he is alive.” God had bigger plans. Jonah was hospitalized for 28 days initially. They were able to monitor him and diagnosed him with Hypoplastic Right Heart Syndrome (HRHS), pulmonary stenosis, sub aortic stenosis, bicuspid aortic valve, and an atrioventricular septal defect. After two surgeries we were able to go home.
Up to now, Jonah had three heart surgeries, a kidney surgery, two palate surgeries, an ear surgery and surgery on his foot. Due to continuous surgeries and appointments, Jonah struggles most with medical anxiety. The blessing of a service dog from a friend has made all the difference. He now walks into CHOA with confidence and is able to listen, be checked and talk to the doctor about the future. Without Miles, Jonah wasn’t even able to have his teeth cleaned. Now he knows Miles will be there with him during visits and will even be the first thing he wakes up from a surgery to. With two impending jaw surgeries and continued medical visits, we are forever grateful.
Jonah is one of the happiest children you will meet. He always has a smile on his face and is one of the most compassionate individuals. He has defeated the odds and has crawled, walked and can talk, despite what physicians predicted. He loves playing board games with his older sister, watching puppet shows and researching the “newest” thing he wants to learn about. He loves dancing, martial arts and hippotherapy. We look forward to the future and the impact he has on it.
This is a need we have:
Here is the harness they suggested for Miles. Unfortunately the one he has does not allow Jonah to brace on him when going up stairs or hills. They are custom made and we would need to work with them on something that is beneficial for Jonah and Miles’ needs:
Thank you for your consideration and for taking the time to bless others
Gift: Custom harness from Bold Lead Designs for Jonas’ service dog, Miles
Location: Whitfield County
Given: December 2022