Matthew, born 1997

I was born April 15, 1997.  My parents were given what they thought was a healthy baby boy.  I was a nice size, 8lbs. 2oz. and 20 1/2 inches long. Thirty-two hours after I was born, I crashed.  The doctors told my mom that she should probably say goodbye. When they finally diagnosed me, they said I had something called Hypoplastic Left Heart Syndrome.  Basically, I was born with the left side of my heart missing.

 

To make a long story short, I had my 1st open heart surgery at Columbia Presbyterian with Dr. Q at 8 days old.  I had my 2nd surgery at 9 months old and my 3rd surgery at 4 years old. It has been hectic sometimes but I am doing great!

I am currently going into 3rd grade and doing very well.  I like school, sometimes. I bowl on a league. I have been bowling since I was 2 1/2 years old so I am pretty good.  You should see my trophy collection. My high game was a 135. I have also played T-ball but didn't like that too much because I thought that standing out in the field was so BORING!  I love the Yankees and I even have a Yankees bowling ball!

Story by Matthew's mom, Lisa - New York