Jacob's Story
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Images Captured by Sourpuss SMILES Photography
www.sourpusssmiles.ca
Meet Tiny Light Jacob. He loves baths and walks, but one of his most favourite pastimes, by far, is hanging out with his big brother Jackson. Playing with toys and reading books are just a couple of the interests the pair share.
Jacob was born with Tricuspid Atresia and Hypoplastic Right Heart Syndrome (HRHS). HRHS is a congenital heart defect in which the right ventricle of the heart fails to grow and develop properly. As a result of the syndrome, blood flow is insufficient and infants often appear to be what is called “cyanotic” – or blue. Jacob has undergone three heart surgeries, and will require at least one more when he is around two years of age.
Jacob’s parents hope that their Tiny Light will “... continue to smile and laugh ... [and] ... that he is able to grow old.” They are in awe of his ability to take and appreciate each moment at a time. His smile and laughter never falters despite being surrounded by nurses and doctors at times. As a message to others, Jacob’s parents say, “Enjoy each moment you have with your child, as you don’t know what the next will hold.”
After only recently undergoing his third heart surgery, Jacob is doing exceptionally well. He is still on oxygen, but he is at home with his family instead of in the hospital. His parents expect that he will be off the oxygen soon and that he will be ready for his next surgery – with smiles, laughs and his unwavering determination.
Jacob was born with Tricuspid Atresia and Hypoplastic Right Heart Syndrome (HRHS). HRHS is a congenital heart defect in which the right ventricle of the heart fails to grow and develop properly. As a result of the syndrome, blood flow is insufficient and infants often appear to be what is called “cyanotic” – or blue. Jacob has undergone three heart surgeries, and will require at least one more when he is around two years of age.
Jacob’s parents hope that their Tiny Light will “... continue to smile and laugh ... [and] ... that he is able to grow old.” They are in awe of his ability to take and appreciate each moment at a time. His smile and laughter never falters despite being surrounded by nurses and doctors at times. As a message to others, Jacob’s parents say, “Enjoy each moment you have with your child, as you don’t know what the next will hold.”
After only recently undergoing his third heart surgery, Jacob is doing exceptionally well. He is still on oxygen, but he is at home with his family instead of in the hospital. His parents expect that he will be off the oxygen soon and that he will be ready for his next surgery – with smiles, laughs and his unwavering determination.
Story written by Stephanie Bond