Superheroes often have an origin story, and Noel Christian’s begins before he was born. When his mother was pregnant, an ultrasound showed that he had a heart condition. It wasn’t until he was 3 months old that he was diagnosed with not one but three heart problems:
Noel had his first open heart surgery when he was about 6 months old. He says that years later, “I was so incredibly exhausted, tired and out of breath. It was a horrible experience.” Not being able to exercise was incredibly frustrating for someone who always had a desire to be active. Noel wasn’t able to attend the tae kwon do classes he enjoyed, run or even walk very far.
“I couldn’t keep up with my friends,” explains Noel, now 23. “Within a few minutes I would stop walking to catch my breath, and I would make excuses because I felt weak. Every five minutes I would stop and say, ‘One second,’ and stop to check my phone or pretend to tie my shoes to catch my breath.”
Even though Noel could walk short distances, talking at the same time was tough. “When I would walk, I was very careful not to say much. I’d let the other person speak, then gain some breath and energy, talk in a short burst and stop again. This destroyed my confidence.”
Noel also felt disheartened seeing other people do daily tasks with ease, such as carrying groceries, going up and down steps and walking to classes on different floors.
Receiving New Hope and Support
Noel’s future got much brighter when he came to Nemours Children’s Hospital, Delaware. He had two more surgeries, including a valve replacement, and gives much of the credit to his incredible recovery to cardiothoracic surgeon Christian Pizarro, MD.
“He is an absolute legend!” Noel praises. “I deeply respect and admire him.” Noel explains that not only is Dr. Pizarro skillful at his craft but it feels good talking to him.
Noel has great memories of the rest of the staff as well.
“They were amazing!” Noel says. “I especially loved the nurses. They worked incredibly hard. I would pick their brains because I am going to nursing school. They were very kind to me and encouraged me to join their field. They gave me so many tips and told me of their own experiences to better guide me.”
“Words cannot describe how much Dr. Pizarro and his team has changed my life, he literally saved my life!”
“In addition, Dr. Chowdhury really goes above and beyond for my ACHD care and she always gives me the right guidance. Adam on the ACHD team also really goes Well Beyond Medicine and makes sure I get exactly what I need in addition to my medical visits. Between answering any small questions I have or completely researching something I’m interested in.”
Even simple interactions in the cafeteria were meaningful for Noel during his hospital stays. One worker in particular “would always say, ‘What’s up?’ and smile and wave. Even a small gesture like that would brighten my day.”
Discovering Boundless Energy
The hard work and positivity of Dr. Pizarro and the rest of the staff paid off. Noel noticed a difference in his body right after surgery. “When I woke up, I felt like I was hooked up to some oxygen tank and had an infinite amount to breathe.” After being able to take nothing but shallow breaths for so long, Noel had to learn how to breathe normally. It’s been worth it because he’s doing great.
“Since the third surgery due to the valve replacement I have so much energy it is absolutely crazy. I feel like a superhero. I can keep moving like some kind of machine. I am unstoppable. Today I ran more than 3 miles, then after that I went to the park and walked up and down hills for about 2 hours, no problem.”
Living Life to the Fullest
Noel certainly appreciates his new lease on life. “As a result of my previous physical state I can enjoy my new life to the fullest and try to do so all the time. I love adventure, martial arts and the ocean. I just try to truly live.”
The future seems limitless for Noel, but he has plans that involve helping others. “I want to be a cardiac nurse and give back to those who were like me. I feel as though it is my mission to do so.”
“Heart surgery was once my greatest fear,” Noel explains. “It is now my greatest strength. Whenever I think I can’t do something or it’s too hard, I say, ‘You survived heart surgery three times so you can do anything. You’ve got this. Let’s go!”
“My mom has been my biggest rock throughout this journey and I can’t even put into words how much she’s done and has been through on this journey with me. She has become a point of admiration for me and someone I deeply look up to. Her strength and courage, I can’t even put into words.”
Advising Others
For other patients facing similar heart problems as Noel, he offers this advice: “Be tough and understand the philosophy of no surrender. My three rules for heart surgery as well as life are: Never give up, never surrender, never accept defeat. I also believe if you have determined in your mind you will make it, then you will be more likely to do it.” He notes that negative thinking can raise blood pressure and heart rate. “So why can’t positive thinking also physically influence the body?”
Noel likens it to running. At times a run can get tough and “some people think it’s impossible and quit.” Other people push through to finish the run — “I want to be like them.”
“You must turn your greatest weakness into your greatest strength, and you cannot let your condition define you, you must define your condition.”
The Nemours Adult Congenital Heart Disease Program brings together certified cardiologists, advanced heart imaging specialists, interventional cardiologists, electrophysiologists and cardiothoracic surgeons who are part of award-winning heart centers in Delaware and Florida. Nemours offers treatments focused on the best possible quality of life and healthiest future. Our team provides a lifetime of seamless care for congenital heart disease, from before birth to age 40. For more information on our Adult Congenital Heart Disease Program, please visit: https://www.nemours.org/services/adult-congenital-heart-defects.html
