Open Your Heart Donations

William Otto Wilburn was born on August 4, 2016. During the 20-week ultrasound anatomy scan, a problem was detected with his heart development. Over the next several months, Otto’s diagnosis was narrowed to Shone’s Complex, which consists of any one or more of several defects. Otto’s aorta was pinched/misformed, there was no septum (wall) separating his left and right atrium, and the left side of his heart was severely underdeveloped. Otto was borderline for Hypoplastic Left Heart and family was prepared for a three-surgery process to save his life.

At only seven days old, Otto underwent open heart surgery, at which time doctors were able to save his left heart, reconstruct his aorta, and give him a septum separating his atriums. Additionally, his mitral valve and aortic opening were augmented. Otto responded extremely well to his life-saving surgery and miraculously went home at 19 days old with nothing but an NG-tube to help ensure proper nutrition. He has recently celebrated his 1st birthday and is a happy, thriving baby. The American Heart Association has a special place in our family - in our precious one-year old son.     - William & Melissa Wilburn