Ethan was born with four life-threatening congenital heart defects that were undetected during normal infant check-ups. As a first-time mom, Stasi wanted to trust the advice of experts, but listened to her instincts despite suggestions of being overzealous. Her heart was confident that her son was battling something more than colic.

After Ethan was correctly diagnosed, he courageously fought through two surgeries. Stasi recalls those difficult days, “Words cannot describe the emotional impact of handing your tiny, precious baby over to a nurse, with the knowledge of the enormous surgery and subsequent pain they will endure.” Although the surgery to repair his heart was successful, he struggled with dangerously high blood pressure for almost a year after.

Miraculously, he is now a healthy, vibrant 3rd grader who has a contagious love for life. “It is incredible to reflect back and see how far he has come. We had a couple of tense moments over the years, including the possibility of another surgery, but he currently has very few restrictions with only an annual visit to his Cardiologist.” He was even recently given clearance to play his dream sport of hockey.

Ethan's journey had a happy ending, but Stasi urges other mothers and family members to trust their instincts and follow their hearts when it comes to their family's health.  No one knows them better than you.