I just wanted to share the story of my honor patient to show what an impact Phoenix Children's Hospital makes in the lives of its patients and the reason it is so important to keep raising money for this amazing place!

This story was written by Aiden's mother:

 

 

Aiden was born with a heart defect called Tricuspid Atresia. This is where the Tricuspid valve did not form correctly on the right side of the heart. We found out when I was pregnant that Aiden would have a heart defect (and would possible need 3-5 surgeries), and we were able to prepare before Aiden was born. Aiden was born at Good Samaritan and spent the first 5 days of life in the NICU. We were expecting for Aiden to have surgery within 2 weeks of birth but he did so well we were able to wait until Aiden was 6 months old. We had our first surgery at PCH in April 2004. Aiden was in the hospital for about 10 days. Dr. Teodori, Erica, Dr. Cohen and Dr. Stock, and all the great nurses took such great care of Aiden. The nurses and staff at PCH were so great, and they took great care of the parents as well.

 

I thank God that Aiden was so young and would not remember the surgery. He was so tiny and there were SO many machines.

 

His favorite things while being in the hospital was bath time. He slept so much better and was very relaxed after each bath. There were many long nights and without the nurses I would not have made it.

 

Aiden’s 2^nd surgery was June 2006. This was the second part of Aiden’s first surgery. Again, Dr. Teodori, Erica, and Dr. Stock and all of the great nurses went above and beyond the call of duty.

 

This time Aiden was a little older and more active. The greatest thing about PCH is that it is a KIDS hospital. Aiden was able to drive himself to surgery in a little yellow car. This was great for mommy because he waived by and said, “See you later mom, love ya!”. Aiden then got a severe infection about 2 weeks after surgery and we had to return to PCH for another 10 days. The nurses and aides came in to play with Aiden and really helped make the time go by.

 

Aiden’s 3^rd surgery was in November 2006 to put a pace maker in to help regulate his heart beat. Aiden was at PCH for only 6 days and then was able to go home. Since all of Aiden’s surgeries he is a NEW kid. He has energy, he is no longer blue (from low oxygen levels), he can walk, talk, sing, and throw a ball. Aiden was very delayed with gross and fine motor skills and since working with therapists and attending school programs he is catching up quickly. It really has been an amazing journey with Aiden. This little guys has taught me more in 4 years that I could have ever imagined. Aiden is a lucky boy and through my experience with PCH I have come to realize we are very blessed. Many parents spend much of their child’s life at the hospital. We were fortunate enough to have 4 short experiences. I decided that since I have such a great support of family and friends each year we were going to help out PCH in our own way.

 

On Aiden’s first birthday instead of gifts we donated lotions, shampoos, bath products, and books. Bath time made Aiden feel so good and we learned that PCH nurses were buying the bath products with their own money. So my family and friends donated a huge bucket full of products, because all babies should feel relaxed. Aiden’s second birthday we donated games and gift cards. It was so fun to see my friends and family feel so food about giving to PCH. Aiden’s 3^rd birthday we donated fans, remote controls and Poang chairs from IKEA. Aiden’s 4^thbirthday we donated pajamas to Max’s Closet. Max’s closet is fantastic and all the children can pick out something from the closet to take home.

 

In closing, I want to say without the doctors, nurses, staff at PCH, I would have never made it through the last 4 years. I am proud that AIDEN WILL FOREVER BE A PCH ALUMNI.

 

 

As of right now I am running between 16 and 20 miles per week; i am up to running 7 miles at a time, working up to my goal of about 13 miles for the half marathon.

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