Katja had a lot of calcification in her Ozaki, along with some issues that were not addressed in her previous surgeries (one of her pulmonary branch arteries has been blocked since birth apparently). Dr Baird had to remove everything and start over for both her aortic and pulmonary repairs, thus the extended time today. When I say that I am “grateful” it is absolutely beyond any words I can describe. This team, this hospital, this surgeon have been a blessing. After all this, the fact that Katja has been walking around like a normal kid, is a miracle. We are so lucky we got here when we did and that Boston is the best in the world for Cardiology. I’m beyond grateful, beyond happy…. I am freaking ecstatic. 👏👏👏

Her chest is closed. She’ll be on her way to the CICU shortly. We have a very long, rough recovery ahead. The next 24-48hrs are extremely delicate. She has a lot of milestones to make (she’ll need to come off her pace machine, breathing tube will need to come out, pain management, walking, eating… Etc).But right now, she is alive and I’m beyond happy ❤️

Thank you all from the bottom of our hearts for your support, love, encouragement and prayers. They mean the world to us.