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.

Friday 14 December 2012

What a difference a year makes...



This time last year was one of the longest days of our lives as Jessica spent eleven hours in theatre having her Norwood procedure and first attempt at the Glenn procedure.   Looking at her this morning, laughing and chatting away and seeing the Christmas tree at home for the first time, we feel very, very blessed that our little miracle is here and thriving and we are able to look forward to our first Christmas at home as a family.   A huge thank you to the surgical team and all the wonderful doctors and nurses on PICU and Ocean Ward for helping to get Jessica where she is now, not to mention all the support and prayers from all our wonderful friends and family and everyone who has been following Jessica’s journey.


We had a recent check-up at Wexham Park Hospital and all was well.  Jessica now weighs 8800g (19lb 6oz) and is 73.6cm tall.  Her sats have been in the mid-80s recently which is great and she continues to be as happy and smiley as ever.  She has been teething again – looks like the top two teeth will be making an appearance shortly (all she wants for Christmas are her two front teeth!)

She has been to another Christmas party – this time organised by Friends of PICU and had a lovely time there.  Michael and Louise have been busy rehearsing over the past few weeks for a fundraising concert in aid of Friends of PICU which will be on 19th January 2013 at Christ Church in Uxbridge – tickets are available from the church office – click here for more details.


We have one more Christmas party to go this weekend and then will be looking forward to Christmas at home.  Merry Christmas to everyone who has been following us this year – God bless you all.

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2 comments:

  1. elizabethinchurch14 December 2012 at 13:39

    Happy Happy Happy Christmas to the three of you! Jessica looks so festive in her red and white.

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  2. Louise14 December 2012 at 20:27

    Thank you Elizabeth - hope you have a wonderful Christmas too xx

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