Ambassador Highlight: Meet Reilly

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A routine prenatal ultrasound alerted Dawn Rogers that the son she was carrying would be born with a congenital heart defect. Shortly after Reilly’s birth, he was rushed to the heart catheterization lab at UF Health Shands Children’s Hospital for a balloon apparatus procedure to open up a valve in his heart, so his organs could get adequate oxygen. Reilly was diagnosed with hypoplastic left heart syndrome, a birth defect that affects normal blood flow through the heart because the left side of the heart does not fully develop.

By the time Reilly was 6 months old, he had undergone two open-heart surgeries to repair his heart defect and continues to be closely cared for by his incredible health care team at the UF Health Congenital Heart Center. His family is very grateful that their son has received superb care and that their minds have been put at ease during some very difficult times.

Donations to Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals helped fund the giraffe bed Reilly slept in during his NICU stay after birth. These specialized hospital beds are designed specifically for neonatal critical care. Donations have also supported the hospital’s Child Life Program, which was instrumental in providing Reilly’s family support and activities during their long stays in the hospital. Because of the care Reilly has received, he is currently doing well and loves to show off his adorable smile to anyone nearby.