Kellan
Age: 16
We found out in October 2009 at 20 weeks pregnant that Kellan had a ventricular septal defect (VSD), a hole in his heart. At 22 weeks, we discovered his Aortic Arch was not formed completely (interrupted) and his Aortic Valve was on the small side (Stenosis). The doctors at Rady Children’s gave us three options: (1) terminate the pregnancy, (2) have the baby and not perform surgery (which would be fatal), or (3) have a heart surgery and hope for the best. We chose life, but knew we would have a bumpy road ahead of us.
Dr. Lamberti gave us a few options on how he could repair the defects but couldn’t tell us exactly how he would “fix” anything until the day of the surgery. We had to trust Dr. Lamberti’s knowledge, experience, and the technology at Rady Children’s to be able to save the life of our son. Kellan had his VSDs repaired, and his arch reconstructed at four days old. He spent the first two months of his life in the NICU recovering, being monitored and cared for by the most amazing group of nurses. Our friends and family were not able to visit due to swine flu pandemic, so the Cardiology NICU team became our family. One heart reconstruction surgery, one pacemaker surgery, and one G-Tube/Fundo surgery later we got the news Kellan would be going home!!
Since his release Kellan has gone back for ultrasounds, EKGs, pacemaker checkups, and X-Rays every 3-6 months. His G-Tube came out right after his 1st birthday and he now eats normally. In November 2011, at one year old, Kellan had a surgery to have his Aortic Valve replaced. Dr. Lamberti performed what we can only describe as a miracle because he was able to salvage his valve and just make it a little bigger. At six years old Kellan had a “balloon” procedure done to widen his aortic valve more time before it needs to be replaced.
In April 2023, Kellan underwent his fourth open heart surgery. In June 2024, Kellan received a new pacemaker. It is a micro pacemaker that was implanted straight into his heart tissue.
Kellan is now 16 years old and doing fabulous! For the first time in his life he has no physical restrictions based on the health of his heart. We were told from the get-go that he might have learning disabilities and trouble keeping up physically with other kids his age. So far, we have not seen him slow down one bit. In fact, with his new pacemaker he now has no physical restrictions for the first time in his life!
Kellan loves camping, going to the airsoft arena, making 3D models and gaming. He has been an absolute blessing to us and because of the care and treatment he receives from Rady Children’s, we have the opportunity to live a normal, happy life.
Our family is relying on Rady Children’s to have the means to keep Kellan’s needs met throughout the next 10 years or more. We thank you from the bottom of our hearts for letting us share our story.