Tara's Story
Congenital Heart Defects, CHD, Wow - it has changed my daughter, Tara’s life.
When Tara was 10 years old we brought her into the Dr. for a sore throat. Up until then, she has never had more than a cold. Her Dr. listened to her heart and remarked that it sounded like an old man’s heart. So we left with meds for the sore throat and an additional appointment with a Cardiologist.
About 2 weeks later we were headed to Iowa City for Open Heart surgery to remove a ‘flap of skin’ that was growing and not letting Tara’s valve close all the way. The ‘flap’ was successfully removed and we hoped that our problems would be over. The ‘flap’ then decided to grow back that same year! So every 3-6 months to a cardiologist for EKG and Ultrasounds. 20 pound weight restrictions keep Tara from doing a few things, but she just is a normal teenage girl!
Now Tara is 17 years old & graduating from High School. Dreams of moving out and starting her own life are coming into view. When Tara turns 18 she will no longer be under our Health Insurance. More worries! She still needs the care and another surgery within the next few years. (This time to replace the valve, because it has became damaged by the flap.) How do you get affordable insurance with a medical history like hers? Even with insurance the Co Pay and deductibles are outrageous! I joke with her and tell her when she meets a boyfriend, she will have to ask about his Health Insurance Plan before she dates him! I know she worries about all of this - what a way to ‘start out’.
We have great Dr’s and support staff at Sanford Children’s Hospital In Sioux Falls SD (It is a huge Castle Hospital for kids – so cool!), Sanford Sheldon, and Iowa City too, but it is still a long scary road to follow. Before Tara was diagnosed with CHD, I knew nothing about it – you just don’t hear about it much.
Knowledge is Power. Research to find cures and advancements are much needed!
When Tara does have her next surgery to replace the valve – I hope they have more options available. Right now it is either a Mechanical valve, which means she will never be able to have kids, or a Pig’s valve – which usually lasts for less than 20 years. Tara is such a great young lady – she deserves a long and happy life, without worries of Heart Defects and continuing surgeries! Let’s bring awareness to CHD and the millions people effected by it!
Written for daughter Tara Ferguson by her Mom - Vickie Stellinga