By Michelle Martens | Project Leader
Healing Presley’s Heart
Presley underwent a revolutionary surgery that has become a blueprint for treating other children with heart conditions.
When Presley was born, he struggled to survive. Doctors at the family’s local hospital thought Presley had an infection, so precious hours went by without the critical care he needed. It wasn’t until a transfer team arrived that Presley was diagnosed with a serious heart defect and taken to Boston Children’s Hospital.
Colleen, Presley’s mom, remembers the stark difference when they arrived in Boston.
“I knew how sick he was, but for the first time we were surrounded by people who said, ‘We got this; we’re right here with you.’”
A surgical first
After several rounds of surgery, Presley was doing better, but he still needed a complex heart repair. The typical surgery for his condition can be lifesaving, but also has long-term health risks, such as liver and kidney disease. Boston Children’s Hospital physicians like Sitaram Emani, MD, had been working tirelessly to develop something better.
Josh and Colleen agreed to try that something—a revolutionary surgery in which the roles of the heart’s left and right ventricles are reversed. This approach allows the stronger right ventricle to pump oxygenated blood to the body while the weaker left ventricle handles the easier job of pushing blood to the lungs.
The surgery was a success and, today, Presley is back home with his parents, brother and sisters—a happy, healthy child who “loves his life.” His story inspired his family to start a fundraising campaign. Josh and Colleen host a motorcycle rally, barbecue and silent auction each year that raises thousands of dollars for research. They know that generous donations will help other children like their son.
Watch this video to meet Presley. You can give kids like him a second chance at life. Families from every state and nearly 100 countries travel to Boston Children’s for lifesaving answers they can’t find anywhere else. Your contributions will turn discoveries into cures, innovative treatments and healthy futures.
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