Jennifer Reda was only four months pregnant when she and her husband Landon found out their son Gavin was diagnosed with a heart defect. Tetralogy of Fallot, or TOF, is an incurable, congenital heart defect that occurs in 1 in every 2,518 babies born each year. Weeks after being brought into this world, Gavin went through two open-heart surgeries. The first at 22 days old on Valentine’s Day, and the next at just four years old.
Days after his surgery, doctors conducted an echocardiogram, an ultrasound for the heart that detects unusual heart rhythm and blood circulation throughout the heart. They found that Gavin’s heart had a malfunctioning valve. With the fear of another open-heart surgery, doctors decided that until Gavin’s heart showed signs of distress from the malfunctioning valve, then the valve would have to be replaced laparoscopically, allowing for a minimally invasive heart procedure, instead.
Today, Gavin continues to thrive as an outgoing and energetic third grader. He loves to play with his friends, family and enjoys dance parties!
On behalf of all blood recipients, we thank you for your donations. Because of generous blood donors like you, children across the Central Valley much like Gavin, can continue to have dance parties and go on to play with their friends.
To be the hero Gavin and all Valley patients depend on, schedule your next appointment now.
Together, Life Flows From Here.
