Hayes’ journey began in a way that none of us could have predicted. At 35 weeks pregnant with twins, I faced an emergency C-section, and the moment my babies were born, everything changed. What was supposed to be a joyful beginning quickly turned into an unknown battle. Within hours of being born, Hayes was diagnosed with a congenital heart defect that would forever alter the course of his life. He was diagnosed with Truncus Arteriosus with an Interrupted Aortic Arch, a condition so life-threatening that it required immediate attention to survive.

Our neonatologist, concerned about Hayes’ condition, ordered an echocardiogram. The results were devastating. Hayes’ heart was severely malformed, and the blood flow to his body was compromised. The doctors knew that in order for him to survive, he would need surgery, but not immediately. Hayes was only five pounds at the time, too small and fragile to undergo such a complex procedure. Still, the doctors were determined to give him the best shot at survival.

Within hours, Hayes was life-flighted to the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, where a team of specialists confirmed that Hayes had Truncus Arteriosus Type 4 with an Interrupted Aortic Arch. It was a diagnosis no parent ever wants to hear, but the doctors were not without hope. They knew that if Hayes could grow strong enough, he might have a chance at life. The medical team decided to take a risk—they placed flow restrictors in Hayes’ pulmonary arteries to slow the blood flow and allow his heart and body time to grow. This would give him a fighting chance, but it was uncertain how long Hayes could survive under these conditions.

During the following weeks, Hayes grew stronger. At eight pounds and just one and a half months old, he was finally strong enough for his first open-heart surgery. We could only hope and pray that he would make it through. The surgery lasted for hours, and during the procedure, doctors discovered something unexpected. Hayes’ heart was in worse condition than they had initially anticipated. A CT scan revealed that eight different areas of his heart needed repair. The complexity of his condition was overwhelming, but the doctors were determined to give him the best chance possible.

The surgery was long—nine hours in total—but when it was over, Hayes was a different baby. He had undergone an immense transformation, and though the road ahead was still uncertain, we could finally breathe. His heart had been repaired, and he had a fighting chance. As we looked at our tiny son, barely more than a newborn, we couldn’t help but feel a sense of awe. Hayes had already proven so many doctors wrong. His strength, his will to live, were beyond anything we had imagined.

But Hayes’ journey didn’t end there. Over the next few years, he grew into a healthy, rambunctious toddler, full of energy and life. He was just like any other 2-year-old—curious, playful, and full of joy. However, in May 2025, we learned that Hayes would need another surgery. His latest echocardiogram revealed that the conduit placed in his heart during his first surgery was showing signs of high pressures, meaning it was time for a replacement.

We were no strangers to this uncertainty. After everything Hayes had already been through, the news was a reminder that his journey was ongoing. On October 10th, Hayes underwent his second open-heart surgery to replace the RV–PA conduit. The surgery was delicate, but the recovery was nothing short of miraculous. Within just five days, Hayes was discharged, a testament to his resilience and determination. His recovery went far better than expected, and once again, Hayes had defied the odds.

Although Hayes is doing incredibly well, we know that this will not be the last surgery he faces. As he grows, the conduit will need to be upsized, and we are prepared for the challenges ahead. But after everything he has overcome, we are confident that Hayes will continue to fight with the same strength and courage he has shown from the very beginning.

Hayes’ story is not just about heart surgeries and medical procedures; it is about resilience, hope, and the unyielding will to live. His journey is a powerful reminder of the strength of the human spirit. Despite the odds, Hayes has shown us that anything is possible if you are determined enough to fight. Every step of the way, Hayes has proven that he is a warrior. He may be small, but his heart is mighty.

We are in awe of our little boy, who has already accomplished so much in his short life. Hayes has defied the medical community’s expectations, and with each surgery, each recovery, he continues to prove that there is no obstacle too big for him to overcome. We are beyond proud of him, and as his parents, we will continue to stand by him, cheering him on through every challenge.

Looking ahead, we know that Hayes’ journey is far from over, but we are filled with hope. Every day, he inspires us to be stronger, to face challenges head-on, and to never give up. Hayes has already shown the world the power of the human heart, and we have no doubt that he will continue to inspire everyone he meets. Hayes is not just a heart warrior—he is a reminder that love, hope, and determination can overcome even the most impossible odds.

We love you, Hayes. Your fight is our fight, and we will be with you every step of the way.