Jennifer performed a benefit in our behalf (thank you, Jen) here is her story and why she felt compelled to help us and the Heart to Heart program…

Jennifer's Story…

On December 16, 1998 I gave birth to a 9lb 2oz baby boy - Eric. I had a normal pregnancy and excellent care. I had two ultrasounds and there was not any reason to suspect anything could be wrong with the baby. The next morning after Eric was born the nurse practitioner from my pediatrician's office came to examine him and detected a very loud heart murmur. He was brought to the NICU where the pediatric cardiologist examined and diagnosed him. He came down to my room, accompanied by a nurse and a resident doctor, and told my husband and I that Eric had Hypoplastic Left Heart Syndrome (a dysfunctional left ventricle among other things). He told us we had three choices: 1. Compassionate care 2. A heart transplant - but chances were Eric would die, because he would not get a heart in time and 3. A series of surgeries, three in all, and he had a 50/50 chance. Well we chose the last and Eric was air-lifted to Boston's Children's Hospital, where he successfully under went his first open-heart surgery. He had his second surgery on June 22 and is doing incredibly well. When we learned of Eric's condition you can only imagine how devastated we were. This was not what we planned. This was not the way it was suppose to happen. We had Christmas all planned with the new baby. I was in shock. I had one saving grace and her name is Julianne Nickerson. She has a beautiful six-year-old son, James, and he has hypoplastic left heart syndrome. He has had all three surgeries and is thriving. She was called and came to my hospital room with pictures of James. She gave us hope. And that is what Parent to Parent of Vermont does. If it wasn't for her support I do not know how I could have survived those first few months. A very special thank you to Julianne. So now you see the importance of Parent to Parent and Heart to Heart.

To my son Eric who has taught me to embrace and love life.

Back to Stories    |  View Current Newsletter   |    (Click Site Map to view older newsletters)   |   Parent to Parent Main Page
Program Page