Some journeys begin with hope, some with uncertainty, and some with a mix of both. For Scarlett, a baby girl born in September, her journey began long before she took her first breath, when her parents, Stevie and her family, discovered that their little girl had a congenital heart defect (CHD) during a routine growth scan.

The first signs

Stevie had her 28-week growth scan because her son had been premature, and doctors were keeping a close watch. It was during this scan that the sonographer noticed something unusual: the left side of Scarlett’s heart appeared slightly smaller than the right. Although the difference was subtle, it was enough to raise concerns.

What should have been a routine prenatal check now became the beginning of a journey filled with worry, hope, and careful observation. Scarlett’s parents were referred to specialists, and the news weighed heavily on them. “We were devastated,” Stevie recalls. “We prayed our little girl didn’t have coarctation of the aorta (CoA), and that everything would be okay.”

A journey through scans and specialists

After several additional scans and a visit to Edinburgh, doctors suspected that Scarlett had CoA — a narrowing of the aorta that can be life-threatening if untreated. Her parents were then referred to Glasgow, where cardiologists confirmed the suspicion and explained the next steps. A date for induction was given, signaling the start of a carefully planned but emotionally taxing process.

During this time, Stevie developed pre-eclampsia, a serious condition that put both mother and baby at risk. This complication necessitated urgent discussions with Glasgow cardiologists about delivery options. Ultimately, Stevie chose an elective C-section to ensure the safety of both herself and Scarlett.

The NICU and the first days of life

Scarlett was born in September, a healthy but closely monitored baby. She was immediately admitted to the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) in Glasgow, where doctors and nurses provided round-the-clock care. The family recalls those first days with a mixture of gratitude and relief. “The care she received was amazing,” Stevie says. “We couldn’t have asked for better nurses and doctors. They made sure she was stable and safe while we processed everything.”

Scarlett underwent multiple echocardiograms to examine her heart. The initial relief came when doctors confirmed that she did not have CoA and that her left side had returned to a normal size. Yet, the journey was far from over. Scarlett was found to have a small hole in her heart, aventricular septal defect (VSD), along with a “flap.” While it was a concern, doctors assured her parents that follow-up care at Ninewells would monitor her progress. Remarkably, Scarlett was able to go home the very next day, bringing immense relief and a sense of hope.

A new diagnosis

Months passed, filled with typical baby milestones, laughter, and the joy of having Scarlett at home. Yet, at her first cardiology appointment locally, the family received unexpected news: Scarlett now had anatrial septal defect (ASD).

The news was difficult to hear. “We were so upset,” Stevie admits. “We thought things were looking up and that she was fine, but that’s not the case.” The potential treatments — either open-heart surgery or minimally invasive keyhole surgery — loomed as a source of worry.

Finding gratitude amidst uncertainty

Despite the new diagnosis, the family remains thankful. “If the possible CoA hadn’t been picked up during pregnancy, we would never have known about the VSD or ASD,” Stevie reflects. “We are incredibly grateful that it was caught early, and we’re staying positive about the possible outcomes.”

Scarlett’s parents balance their concern with hope. They see a vibrant, happy, and healthy little girl every day. She smiles, laughs, and explores the world around her with curiosity and energy. “She is thriving right now,” Stevie says. “She’s happy, healthy, and full of life. That gives us so much hope.”

The strength of a family

Scarlett’s story is not just about a medical journey — it’s about the resilience of a family facing uncertainty with courage, faith, and love. From the initial prenatal scans to the NICU stay and now the ongoing cardiac monitoring, Stevie and her family have navigated every challenge with unwavering determination.

They have learned to celebrate small victories, such as each check-up that confirms Scarlett’s growth and stability, and to maintain hope even when faced with new challenges. Their story highlights the importance of early detection, expert care, and the emotional strength required to support a child with congenital heart conditions.

The future ahead

While the possibility of surgery remains, Scarlett’s family looks forward with hope. Advances in pediatric cardiology provide options for treatment, and her team of specialists remains optimistic about her long-term health. With careful monitoring and the love and support of her family, Scarlett’s future is filled with promise.

Stevie reflects, “We know she may need surgery someday, but we also know she is surrounded by love and excellent care. We are preparing ourselves, but we are also focusing on the joy she brings every day.”

A celebration of life

Scarlett’s journey reminds us of the fragility and resilience of life, especially in the tiniest hearts. Each day she thrives is a victory, a moment to celebrate her courage and the love that surrounds her. The family cherishes every giggle, every milestone, and every ordinary moment made extraordinary simply because of her presence.

Through the uncertainty, Scarlett’s personality shines. She is curious, playful, and loving — a little girl whose spirit brightens the days of everyone around her. Her story is one of hope, courage, and the incredible bond between parents and child as they face challenges together.

Inspiration for others

Scarlett’s journey offers hope and encouragement for families facing similar diagnoses. Early detection and vigilant care can make all the difference, and the love and advocacy of parents can help children thrive despite medical challenges.

Her story also reminds us of the power of perspective — even in the face of unexpected diagnoses, gratitude, hope, and positivity can coexist with concern and worry. Stevie and her family exemplify the balance of being realistic yet hopeful, providing an inspiring model for others navigating complex medical journeys.

A little heart, a big impact

Scarlett may be small, but her journey has had a profound impact on those around her. Through every scan, every appointment, and every new discovery about her heart, she has taught her family resilience, hope, and the importance of celebrating life’s small victories.

Her courage, even unknowingly at her young age, inspires her parents and everyone who learns her story. Each heartbeat, each smile, and each joyful moment is a reminder of how precious and resilient life can be.

Conclusion

Scarlett’s story is one of courage, love, and hope. From the moment she was identified with a possible heart condition to her current diagnosis of VSD and ASD, she has shown remarkable resilience, and her family has demonstrated unwavering dedication and strength.

Though challenges remain, Scarlett thrives — happy, healthy, and loved. Her journey continues to inspire gratitude, hope, and awareness for families facing congenital heart defects. She reminds us that even the tiniest hearts can carry the biggest stories, and that every day of love and laughter is a victory worth celebrating.

Scarlett: a little girl with a brave heart, a bright spirit, and a future full of hope.