Tristan the Brave 💙

We learned this week that our little boy, Tristan, will need heart surgery in the next couple months to correct one of his two heart conditions - Coarctation of Aorta.

This news about his heart is so hard to bear. Our little guy is only 2.5 years old, bright and full of energy and curiosity. First and foremost, please stand with us in prayer for his healing and strength for our family.

After reviewing the results from an MRI he had last month, the team of surgeons ruled out balloon angioplasty and stenting, which is the least invasive procedure for this condition. Instead, they recommended patch aortoplasty. It's to be performed at Seattle Children’s Hospital. The date hasn’t been determined yet.

Following the surgery, Tristan will remain in the hospital for at least five days. Full recovery may take up to six weeks.

Of course, he has no idea of the difficulties he faces. We may understand most of this, but we can’t imagine what lies ahead either. 

Our health care plan has a lifetime cap of $200K for all care related to congenital heart defects like this, some of which has already been used for the diagnosis and monitoring process. We haven’t received an estimate for the surgery and related costs yet. But we have already applied for financial aid with Seattle Children’s Hospital to assist with expenses that exceed the cap or are not covered. We hope to get an answer within two weeks.

Seattle Children’s Hospital is a little more than an hour drive from our home in Tacoma. While Tristan is in the hospital recovering, we plan to find lodging nearby so we can both be with him as much as possible. At least one of us will be with him at all times. However, only one parent can remain in the hospital with him overnight. 

We’ll probably also need to find accommodations for our puppy, Jett, while we’re away. That’s a minor cost compared to everything including the lodging and meals for ourselves. But it all will add up fast.

There are lot of other uncertainties. We'll update here as we learn more. And of course, we’ll share updates throughout the procedure and his recovery.

Please continue to pray for strength and peace for our little family and for Tristan’s complete healing, that he grow up to live a full, vibrant life. We appreciate your prayers and encouragement so very much.

With love and gratitude,

Jessie & Ethan

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