Our beautiful daughter Jessica was born in September 2011 with a severe heart defect called hypoplastic left heart syndrome. This was diagnosed at her 20 week scan and we were initially told that she was unlikely to be suitable for surgery. However, a pioneering in-utero operation at 28 weeks to enlarge a hole in her atrial septum was carried out and she was able to make it to term and get through her first open-heart surgery at just eight hours old. Jessica underwent five more surgeries during her life. Her final surgery - the Fontan procedure - took place in December 2017. She initially made a good recovery but sadly passed away suddenly on 14th April 2018 at the age of 6. This is the story of a little girl whose half a heart overflowed with love. She was, and will forever be, our little miracle and brought joy to all who knew her.

Thursday, 6 September 2012

Happy 1st birthday, Jessica!


Today is our little miracle’s first birthday and words just can’t describe how amazing it is to have got here and to have had such a wonderful day with our beautiful Jessica.  She seems to have really enjoyed being a birthday girl today and has had a lovely day with visits from Great-Auntie Marls, Grandma, Grandad, Nanny, Auntie Loraynne, Auntie Twinny and cousins Ebony and Erin.  She also went to 'Stay, Play and Learn' and was quite delighted when everyone sang ‘Happy Birthday’ to her!



 Needless to say, she has been thoroughly spoilt today – lots and lots of cards and presents, hugs and kisses and attention from everyone.  She has had some wonderful presents and has really enjoyed playing with her new toys. 


It is amazing to see how happy and healthy she looks after everything she has been through in the past year – watching her grow and develop into the little girl she is today has brought us so much joy in spite of all the dark and difficult moments on this journey.  Getting to her first birthday really is such a huge milestone for us all, and we are so grateful to all the medical staff and all the love, thoughts and prayers that have been behind us – everything that has helped Jessica get to this stage on her journey.  It has been a wonderful year in so many ways – we are so incredibly blessed with this beautiful little girl in our lives – God has been truly amazing to us all and we have had such wonderful support from so many people throughout.  Thank you all for all your lovely birthday wishes for our little girl today.


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1 comment:

  1. Anonymous7 September 2012 at 20:02

    Belated Birthday Greetings! I've been coach touring with Senior Citizens and only just returned to the computer. Elizabeth

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