Written by: Bailey Hemphill
Young Hero: Isaac Oldridge
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saac Oldridge, 3, is an amazing, miraculous, and fear-
less “old soul,” says his mother, Jennifer. No doubt it is because at such a young age, Isaac has already experienced more than some will in an entire lifetime. Hours after being born, Isaac was diagnosed with a heart defect called Hypoplastic Left Heart Syndrome (HLHS), which meant that he had only one functioning ventricle. “Typically with HLHS, there are three main surgeries a child will go through,” explains Jennifer. “Isaac, however, had a healthy anatomy everywhere else and was fair size when he was born. His surgeon felt that he could try a different approach, which was more risky upfront but would provide Isaac with more opportunities in life.” Jennifer and her husband were told that this risky approach would require Isaac to have multiple heart surgeries, but it would get blood to flow through the nonfunctioning ventricle and help it start functioning. It was a tough call, but the Oldridges chose to go with the riskier option when Isaac was just a week old. “Isaac came through the first surgery wonderfully, [and] he continued to do amazing through all of his surgeries and procedures.” Last January and April, Isaac had two open-heart surgeries. Jennifer says the most emotional moment happened as they walked him to the operating room during the final surgery in April. “We turned that corner…there were hospital staff, nurses, and doctors on the other side clapping, smiling, and waiting for this miracle to happen. [Isaac] smiled, waved, pointed to the doors, and clapped with them. At that moment, we knew Isaac was ready for this last step and he was fearless.” Though most kids with HLHS have the defect throughout the rest of their lives, Isaac no longer has HLHS after his final surgery in April. Jennifer says that any “heart parent” can tell you that their “heart child” is special. “I believe Isaac was chosen to be our son for a reason. He has taught us to take a step back and look at life.” When she looks back at pictures of Isaac as a newborn, Jennifer is reminded of just how amazing her son’s story is. “If you look at him, you can just tell by his eyes and smile that [he] was given another chance to experience life. “Isaac inspires me to know that even if something seems out of reach, you have to keep trying… We would not be where we are today if we did not have the nurses, doctors, friends, and wonderful SPECTRUM family—and to think, because of this little miracle, my son is a hero.”
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Family Spectrum and Omaha Storm Chasers would like to honor your Young Hero. Send nominations to Bailey@OmahaPublications.com. • readonlinenow.com January 2013 • • • •
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