At five months pregnant, Selena’s world turned upside down during a routine anatomy scan when she learned her son had complex medical conditions. Heterotaxy and heart issues were not part of her plans. “My heart dropped, and they wanted me to follow up at Lakeland Regional Hospital to do a more in-depth ultrasound with Nemours Children’s Health maternal-fetal medicine physician Dr. Nguyen and cardiologist Dr. Braley. At that moment, I didn’t know what to think; I was so scared.”
She embarked on a journey to the Nemours Children’s Center for Fetal Care in Lakeland with faith and resilience. Despite initial fear and uncertainty, the compassionate care and thorough communication of the Nemours Children’s care team gave Selena reassurance and hope: “My visits at the Center for Fetal Care were great. They always gave me detailed information and made sure I understood and answered all my questions. I was always engaged. I wanted the best for my son and wanted to do whatever to make sure he was going to be taken care of.”
Each appointment brought a mix of nerves and prayers, but through it all, Selena found strength in her belief that her baby boy was destined for greatness. “What reassured me the most was that everyone was very supportive and transparent. I felt in my heart that they truly cared and wanted to be there to help me, and my baby boy strive and get through this.”
Transported to Nemours Children’s Hospital in Orlando shortly after birth, Ny’Jour’s tiny heart faced monumental challenges. “He was my first and only child at the time, so it was very hard for me. This affected my daily life because I couldn’t take him home right away. We stayed in the hospital for the first 3 months of his life. When we did come home, he was on oxygen and medications.” For Selena, those first months were a whirlwind of emotions as she watched her son fight. “Recovery was good until they broke the news that he would then need a heart transplant. So, our Nemours Children’s cardiologist at the time, Dr. Dadlani, referred us to a hospital in St. Petersburg to be listed on their heart transplant list.”
Thanks to the expertise of the Nemours cardiologists and Maternal-Fetal Medicine teams, as well as the transplant team at the hospital in St. Petersburg, Ny’Jour is prospering like never before. “As of April 5, 2024, he got his new heart and is now thriving and recovering!”
Selena cherishes being in the moment and loves to watch her son grow. “My plan for the future is to be there for Ny’Jour and let him know he is brave and blessed and that he is one of the smartest and strongest 2-year-old to walk this earth. One day, we will look back and say he did it and can now live a good and longer life.”
Selena’s journey taught her invaluable faith, hope, and resilience lessons. Through the darkest moments, she found solace in prayer and positivity. Her advice to other mothers facing similar challenges echoes her journey: “Keep fighting; there is always light at the end of the tunnel. Have faith, and always think positively no matter what. Love on your baby; the storm will pass, and there’s always a rainbow at the end of a storm. You will get through it!” Despite the uncertainties, Selena remains committed to her belief that everything happens for a reason, and with faith, she and Ny’Jour continue to embrace each day with gratitude and courage.
