City and State
Westminster, SC

My Story
On December 6, 2023, during our 20-week anatomy scan, we were excited to learn our baby’s gender. What began as a joyful moment quickly turned heartbreaking when the ultrasound revealed a possible issue with the baby’s heart. Days later, on December 13, a specialist confirmed that baby Samico had a congenital heart defect. The full diagnosis came on December 19: Hypoplastic Left Heart Syndrome (HLHS) with a restricted atrial septum—a severe, life-threatening condition where the left side of the heart is underdeveloped, and a crucial hole needed for blood flow is nearly closed.



On January 10, 2024, we traveled to MUSC in Charleston, SC, for further testing, where we were told Samico might also have Nutmeg Lung, a complication that would leave comfort care as the only option. After six agonizing weeks, an MRI on February 8 brought relief—the suspected lung disease was ruled out, and Samico still had a fighting chance. However, he was diagnosed with growth restriction, requiring intensive monitoring.

Samico was born on April 11th via c-section and was taken immediately to the Cath lab to open the hole needed for blood flow in his heart. Samico had his first open heart surgery at a mere 6 weeks old. We were finally able to come back home to the upstate 102 days later to reunite with our daughter. Samico had his second open heart surgery in November for 2024 and has continued to thrive being back home, he is growing stronger every day due to the grace of GOD and his amazing MUSC team!