Nine-month-old James Satterfield sat on his parents’ lap at Atrium Health Levine Children’s Hospital on Tuesday. His parents, Madison and Andrew Satterfield, shared the emotional journey they’ve experienced since learning their son had a life-threatening heart condition.
During pregnancy, doctors informed the couple that their baby had a serious heart defect, which would require multiple open-heart surgeries to save his life.
“There were a lot of tears, a lot of emotions, and a lot of fear about the unknown,” Madison Satterfield said. “We never imagined this would be part of our story.”
James was diagnosed with hypoplastic right heart syndrome, a condition where part of his heart was not developing correctly.
Doctors at Atrium Health Levine Children’s Hospital prepared a detailed care plan for James before he was born.
“At first, it was terrifying,” Andrew Satterfield said. “We held him for about 10 minutes before he was quickly taken to the NICU.”
After undergoing multiple surgeries and spending a month in recovery, James was finally able to go home. The hospital’s CHAMP (Complex Congenital Heart at Home Monitoring Program) helped guide the Satterfields through his recovery process at home.
Now, almost 10 months old, doctors say James is doing well.
“The most rewarding part of our job is seeing them thrive,” said Pediatric Cardiologist Dr. Amy Svenson. “We always tell parents, you’ll look back and say, ‘I made it through that.’”
The Satterfields know James will need another heart surgery when he turns three, and he may eventually need a heart transplant later in life.
Despite the challenges, Andrew Satterfield said the experience has made them stronger. He believes they are ready for whatever comes next, with the help of their doctors.
“If anyone gets a diagnosis like this, you can do it,” Andrew said. “It’s hard, but with the resources we’ve had, it’s not easy, but I’m so glad we chose to move forward with the pregnancy. Look at how he’s doing now.”
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