Logo Entertainment Game Technology Reyne: A Mother’s Plea – Helping My Baby Heal After Heart Surgery. Hyn
My name is Reyne, and I am the mother of two beautiful children. One of them, my 14-month-old baby, has already faced more challenges in his short life than many adults experience in decades. Over the past few weeks, our family has been navigating a medical journey filled with fear, uncertainty, and exhaustion, as my baby recovers from his second open-heart surgery.
From the moment he was born, we knew that his heart would require special care. Surgeries, hospital visits, and constant monitoring have become the reality of our daily lives. Each procedure carries hope, but also worry. Despite the surgeries, he continues to experience complications, becoming sick repeatedly, with doctors working tirelessly to determine what is happening and how best to help him heal.
These past weeks have been some of the most challenging we have ever faced. Long hours in the hospital, sleepless nights, and the emotional strain of seeing my child in pain have left our family exhausted. Every day is filled with appointments, medications, and constant vigilance, while we try to maintain some semblance of normal life for our older child, who also needs attention, love, and care.
On top of the emotional toll, the financial strain has been overwhelming. I have had to take time away from work to be by my baby’s side, which has made it difficult to cover everyday expenses. The costs add up quickly: hospital parking, meals, medications, and unexpected fees that arise in the midst of medical emergencies. Balancing financial obligations while ensuring my baby receives the care he needs feels impossible at times.
Our family is reaching out to our community for support. Every donation, no matter how small, can help lift some of this burden, allowing me to focus entirely on my baby’s recovery and the well-being of both of my children. Your contribution will directly help cover medical expenses, travel to the hospital, daily necessities, and other costs that have become unavoidable during this difficult time.
More than financial support, your kindness brings hope. Your compassion reminds us that we are not alone in this fight and that others care about the lives of children who are struggling for every heartbeat, every breath, and every step toward recovery. Every act of generosity—whether a donation, sharing this story, or offering prayers and encouragement—provides strength to a family walking through one of the hardest periods of our lives.
Watching my baby fight through pain and recovery is both heartbreaking and inspiring. He is so small, yet so brave. Each time he opens his eyes, smiles, or responds to gentle touches, he reminds me why we keep going. He teaches me daily about resilience, courage, and the deep bonds of family love. These moments of hope, though fleeting at times, are what sustain us through sleepless nights and anxious days.
We dream of a future where my baby can grow strong, play with his sibling, and experience the joys of childhood without constant fear or hospitalization. We hope for the day when the hospital lights and machines are replaced by the laughter of two healthy children running freely at home. Every donation, prayer, and word of encouragement brings us closer to that vision—a chance for our baby to heal and thrive.
To anyone reading this, we ask for your help. Your support, whether financial or emotional, will have a direct impact on our family’s ability to care for our baby and navigate this challenging journey. No contribution is too small; every gesture is a lifeline that allows us to focus on what matters most: the health, recovery, and happiness of our child.
My 14-month-old has already faced immense challenges, but with love, care, and the support of others, he can continue to fight and grow. Your generosity can make a real difference in our lives, allowing me to be fully present for both of my children while giving my baby the chance to heal and thrive.
Thank you for reading our story, for keeping us in your thoughts, and for supporting our family in any way you can. Your kindness, compassion, and generosity mean more than words can express and give us hope that our little boy will have a future filled with health, love, and happiness.
Leo’s Story: The Little Fighter With a Mighty Heart.493
When Leo was born on 21st March 2020, his parents were filled with joy and relief. After a seemingly normal pregnancy — with scans at 12 and 20 weeks showing no concerns — they were prepared for a straightforward birth. Though the third trimester brought
polyhydramnios and discomfort, Leo arrived naturally, a tiny, gorgeous baby. His hands and feet were blue, but staff reassured them it was normal for newborns.
It was only five hours after birth
that the first signs of danger appeared. During routine final checks, a pulse oximetry test revealed Leo’s oxygen levels were just 78%. Initially, the midwife thought the monitor might be faulty, but when the readings persisted, a team of doctors arrived. Oxygen was administered, but it was clear something was gravely wrong.
Leo was quickly transferred to the neonatal ward for further assessment. Hours of uncertainty passed until a cardiologist arrived with the devastating news: Leo had a complex congenital heart defect — pulmonary atresia with a ventricular septal defect (VSD)
. He required surgery immediately to survive.
At Leicester PICU, Leo was ventilated and started on prostin to keep his duct open. A CT scan was performed the following day, followed by a
cardiac catheter procedure to stent the duct — but unfortunately, it was unsuccessful. His duct began to close, and open-heart surgery became inevitable.
At just three days old, Leo underwent a
Sano shunt to restore blood flow from his heart to his lungs. But complications arose quickly: the shunt blocked, and Leo’s blood could not circulate properly. Doctors put him on
ECMO life support, giving his tiny body time to rest and recover. His parents were told he was critically ill, yet the medical team vowed to do everything possible.
After a few days, Leo underwent another cardiac catheter procedure to stent the Sano shunt successfully. Ten days later, he was able to come off ECMO — a monumental step forward in his recovery. By two weeks old, he was extubated and breathing with the support of
CPAP, signaling the beginning of a new chapter in his fight for life.
Feeding remained a challenge. Leo struggled with severe reflux, and his nutrition required an NG tube. Dieticians discovered he had a cow’s milk protein allergy, and with special formulas and careful monitoring, he began to gain strength.
However, his journey was far from over. Leo developed a chest infection, which prolonged his hospital stay. Finally, at four weeks old, he was able to go home. He remained under home monitoring until he was 11 months old, his family cautiously embracing this new reality while cherishing every moment.
Leo’s challenges continued. In February 2021, his oxygen saturation dropped to 63%, necessitating another hospital admission and a cardiac catheter procedure. Doctors discovered major aortopulmonary collateral arteries (MAPCAs) and determined Leo needed open-heart surgery again to replace his conduit and repair his VSD.
On 25th February 2021, Leo underwent surgery — a complex procedure complicated by weak tissue in his heart, which meant the VSD could not yet be repaired. Despite these challenges, Leo pulled through. Today, he still faces ongoing complications: difficulty feeding, severe reflux, fatigue, and breathlessness. Yet, considering everything he has endured, he is thriving and defying expectations.
Leo’s parents reflect on the pulse oximetry test at birth with profound gratitude. Had it not been performed, they might have gone home unaware that their son’s heart could not sustain him. That simple, routine test saved his life.
His journey is a testament to the courage of a tiny child, the dedication of healthcare professionals, and the unwavering love of his family. Leo’s heart may have been fragile, but his spirit is unbreakable. Each smile, each breath, and each milestone is a triumph over adversity.
💖 Leo’s story reminds us that even the smallest hearts can face the greatest battles — and with love, hope, and expert care, they can emerge strong, resilient, and full of life. 💖
