Mile 45

When Maggie and Cody Fontenot welcomed their twins, they were overjoyed. Although a heart murmur was detected in Hadlee at birth, it seemed to resolve before discharge. However, at her 10-week checkup, the murmur reappeared, prompting a referral to Dr. Durga Naidu, a pediatric cardiologist at Manning Family Children’s. Further testing revealed that Hadlee had Tetralogy of Fallot, a congenital heart defect involving a ventricular septal defect and a double-chambered right ventricle.

To manage her condition, Hadlee was prescribed medications to reduce fluid in her lungs and lower her heart rate, which improved her feeding and growth. Due to seasonal illnesses like flu and RSV, her surgery was postponed to ensure optimal recovery conditions. On May 7, 2024, Dr. Timothy Pettitt performed successful open-heart surgery at Manning Family Children’s, repairing the defects and restoring proper heart function.

Post-surgery, Hadlee recovered well and was soon discharged. Now thriving, she attends follow-up appointments every six months. Her parents describe her as a spirited and joyful child. They advise other families facing similar challenges to trust their medical team, lean on their faith, and remain hopeful, emphasizing that brighter days lie ahead.