MESA (Feb 28th, 2024) – Heart Awareness Month may be coming to an end, but many will continue to make cardiovascular health a priority, especially if they are looking to live a long, healthy life. Callie Adams is one example - a brave 4-year-old girl who has defied all odds in her battle against a congenital heart defect.
Callie was born at Banner Desert Medical Center in November 2019 with a heart condition called Tetralogy of Fallot. Her parents discovered she would have this defect before she was born, which allowed them to plan for her treatment after her birth. Thanks to the cardiology pediatric team at Banner Desert, Callie received the care she needed the moment she entered the world. This decision proved to be lifesaving as Callie required two open heart surgeries early in life.
Tetralogy of Fallot is a complex heart defect that occurs when the baby’s heart does not form correctly in the mother’s womb. It affects normal blood flow through the heart and if a child is found to have it, they may need surgery after birth. Callie underwent her first open heart surgery at just 6 months to replace a heart valve that controls blood to her heart, enlarge the passage to the pulmonary artery and place a patch over a hole in her heart to improve blood flow to the lungs and the rest of her body.
In September of 2023, Callie underwent a second surgery to replace her heart valve again. Callie has continued to show remarkable progress, although she still relies on oxygen and a feeding tube, she is a vibrant and active 4-year-old who loves to play and explore the world. Callie may require additional surgeries later in her life to address other issues related to her condition, but her family remains hopeful for her future.
"Callie has been our little warrior since the day she was born," -said Brooke, Callie's mother. "Her strength and spirit have inspired our whole family to appreciate every moment we have together. We are grateful for the care and support we have received from the team at Banner Desert."
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention approximately 1,660 babies in the United States are born with Tetralogy of Fallot each year. About one in every four babies born with a heart defect has a critical congenital heart defect and about 25% of these infants will require procedures or surgery in their first year of life.
“It is crucial for expectant parents to understand the importance of seeking prenatal care and screening for congenital heart diseases such as Tetralogy of Fallot. Early detection through prenatal tests or postnatal evaluation can greatly improve outcomes for infants born with these conditions.” Said Dr. Daniel Miga, cardiologist at Banner Children's at Desert.
Banner Children's at Desert provides pediatric care for children, from newborns to teens. Services include immediate access to Level I trauma services and emergency care, a Level III neonatal intensive care unit, general pediatrics, surgical and rehabilitation services, hematology/oncology, urology, gastroenterology, cardiology, neurology and outpatient services. For more information, visit bannerhealth.com/bannerchildrensatdesert.
For further information contact us at: [email protected]