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After Emergency Surgery, Baby Alfred Gets "Second Chance" at Life!

Written By: Adam Pick, Patient Advocate, Author & Website Founder
Published: January 11, 2022

In November... Thanks to your extraordinary support, the patient community at HeartValveSurgery.com sponsored the cardiac surgery of Baby Alfred, a courageous 8-month old boy from Nigeria, who suffered from Tetralogy of Fallot, a life-threatening form of heart valve disease.

Unfortunately, after traveling from Nigeria to Amrita Institute of Medial Sciences and Research Centre in Kerala, India, Alfred's medical team quickly learned that his condition was much worse than expected.

Alfred Arrives at Amrita Institute in India After Traveling from Nigeria

Rob Raylman, the CEO of Gift of Life International, shared with me, "Alfred had a very difficult trip to India from Nigeria. Alfred had to be rushed to the hospital upon arrival at the airport. Alfred is now on a ventilator. The medical team will need to determine if a surgery can be performed to address his cardiac issues."

From Potential Tragedy to Medical Triumph

Thanks to the fantastic medical team at Amrita Institute of Medical Sciences, Baby Alfred's condition improved and his cardiac function stabilized.

Then, Dr. Brijesh P. K. (cardiac surgeon) and Dr. R. Krishna Kumar (cardiologist) performed a successful procedure on Alfred for Tetraology of Fallot. Here is a picture of Alfred just a few days after his procedure.

If you are curious... Here are the medical notes from his surgery, "Alfred is now stable. In addition to PDA stenting proposed earlier, additional stenting RVOT - right ventricular outflow - was also done today morning. His saturation levels are up to 85% and he is expected to continue his improvement. He is in ICU under ventilator support after the procedure (which is normal). The mother met the child. We are all relieved. Thank you for all your prayers and support."

Dr. Brijesh P. K. (cardiac surgeon) & Dr. Kumar (cardiologist)

Thank You! Thanks Gift of Life! Thanks Amrita Institute!

I am so incredibly happy in this moment.

Tears of joy are flowing down my face.

Thanks to your wonderful support of HeartValveSurgery.com, we were able to come together - as a community - to support Alfred and his family in their time of need. Thank you! Thank you! Thank you!

I would also like to thank Rob Raylman and the entire team at Gift of Life International. The planning of these types of international and philanthropic procedures is not easy. When you add COVID into the mix, the logistical challenges amplify. However, Rob and the Gift of Life International team did now waiver in their mission to provide Alfred a "second chance" at life. Thanks Gift of Life!

To the medical team at Amrita Institute of Medial Sciences and Research Centre in Kerala, India, words cannot express our gratitude for your commitment to Alfred and his family. Your team showed compassion, empathy and world-class medical care to save the life of Baby Alfred. That is pure and wonderful. Thank you!!!!

Congrats Alfred!

To Baby Alfred, you are now on your way to a healthy life with a mended heart. I am so very happy for you and your family!!!

While we have not met yet, I look forward to the time when I can give you a big, big, big hug.

Written by Adam Pick - Patient & Website Founder

Adam Pick is a heart valve patient and author of The Patient's Guide To Heart Valve Surgery. In 2006, Adam founded HeartValveSurgery.com to educate and empower patients. This award-winning website has helped over 10 million people fight heart valve disease. Adam has been featured by the American Heart Association and Medical News Today.

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