Abigail's mum Maureen kindly sent in their story to share with you all.

Our daughter Abigail was born February 20, 1997. She was a perfect 6 lb. 15 oz. little bundle of joy. It wasn't until about 6 hrs. after her birth that one of the nurses thought she looked a little "dusky", and decided to check her blood gases. They were too low to allow Abby to stay on the floor with me, so they admitted her to the NICU for observation. Our pediatricians guess was that she may have swallowed some fluid during birth. Abby was in an oxygen tent, and started on antibiotics. She stayed in the NICU the entire evening.

The next morning one of the Doctors on call from the NICU entered our room and gave us the diagnosis. They had run an echo and discovered Abby had HLHS. He informed us that Abby had been transferred to Children's Hospital San Diego (right next door), and that we should go be with her. Of course we were devastated and in complete shock.

Once we arrived at Children's San Diego, we met with Abby's Cardiologist. Dr. Cocalis. He explained our options. It is still hard for me to think about those hours we spent discussing the fate of our daughter. We spent the next few days gathering information. After much anguish, we came to the decision. We went with the Norwood.

When Abby was 7 days old she received her Norwood from Dr. Starnes in Los Angeles. Abby did so well. She was home from the hospital in just 10 days. At home she ate and grew well. She was sent home on Lasix, Aldactone, Digoxin, Captopril, and Baby Aspirin. She also remained on an 1/8 lt. of continuous oxygen.

On July 30, 1997 Abby received her Glenn. Also at Children's Hospital Los Angeles by Dr. Starnes. Abby had a difficult time adjusting to the new pressures, and was very "sick", the first few days. She experienced pulmonary hypertension, and had a lot of fluid in the lungs. However once again Abby pulled through. (Abby returned home in 12 days). She is doing great today. You would never know to look at her that she has any problem at all. She is a little sweetie, and we love her desperately. Abby is now great today. You would never know to look at her that she has any problem at all. She is a little sweetie, and we love her desperately. Abby is now off oxygen, and is doing all of the "normal" baby things. We feel very blessed for each day.

Thank you for allowing me to share our story. We feel so fortunate to have found this support group on-line. Please feel free to correspond with us anytime.

Maureen, Dean, Colin (4 1/2yrs), & Abby (5 1/2mo.)