San Antonio Family’s Journey with Congenital Heart Disease: A Story of Hope
In the vibrant city of San Antonio, a little boy named Max Rocha is stealing hearts and bringing hope to many. His story, filled with challenges and triumphs, is shedding light on a rare congenital heart defect that many might not know about. For his parents, Angelina and Justin Rocha, the journey began with a prenatal diagnosis, preparing them for the unexpected. “No mother wants to hear that there is something wrong with their child,” Angelina shared, highlighting the emotional rollercoaster they faced.
Facing the Unknown
Upon learning about Max’s condition, the Rochas decided to approach the situation with optimism. “You feel numb and you buckle up and go with it and hope for the best,” Justin added, emphasizing their determination to stay positive. Their strong mindset, coupled with the expert care at University Health, played a crucial role in Max’s success story.
Dr. Ginnie Abarbanell, Max’s pediatric cardiologist, explained the gravity of his condition. Congenital heart disease, according to Dr. Abarbanell, “is the most common birth defect” and affects about one in every hundred babies. What made Max’s case particularly rare was that he fell into the “one percent of the one percent” category—necessitating surgery immediately after birth.
A Journey to Healing
Max arrived in the world facing significant challenges; he had a hole in his heart and switched valves. Angelina recalled, “We were devastated to hear” the news, but with the support of Dr. Abarbanell and her husband, Dr. Aaron Abarbanell, who performed the surgery on Max’s first birthday, the family began to see a glimmer of hope.
“We had to close the hole in his heart, put a new valve in his lung, and perform a very rare atrial switch,” Dr. Aaron said. “It’s been done just a couple of times this year, and I have less than ten in my career.” The successful yet complex surgery brought relief to the Rochas, who were filled with both anxiety and gratitude.
A Miracle Child
Today, Max is thriving and even taking his first steps—a true miracle in every sense of the word. However, the journey isn’t over. Max will eventually need further surgeries to ensure his heart remains healthy. The Rochas are not just looking forward to those challenges; they are also committed to helping others who find themselves in similar situations.
To raise awareness about congenital heart disease, the family is participating in the Children’s Heart Foundation’s annual San Antonio Congenital Heart Walk this Sunday. The event aims to bring together families facing similar struggles while raising funds for critical research.
Spreading Awareness Together
“As a mother and as a parent, you feel so isolated because it is your child and it is heartbreaking,” Angelina admitted. The heart walk presents an opportunity for families like the Rochas to connect, share their experiences, and support one another. “It’s a nice moment for sure,” she added with a smile.
Dr. Ginnie Abarbanell echoed this sentiment, saying, “It is really great to see the kids not in the doctor’s office. It’s wonderful to see them having fun and simply being kids.”
In the spirit of community engagement, Dr. Aaron Abarbanell emphasized the importance of raising awareness: “How do we get awareness in the community and raise research dollars?” he pondered. With so many unknowns in the field, it’s crucial to keep working towards a brighter future.
Join the Heart Walk!
The Heart Walk kicks off at 8 a.m. this Sunday at Morgan’s Wonderland, with registration beginning at 7:30 a.m. Attendees can look forward to a morning filled with hope and celebration, as all funds raised will further research on congenital heart defects.
The Rochas’ story isn’t just about facing adversity; it’s about hope, community, and the unwavering love parents have for their children. As they continue their journey, their hearts are filled with gratitude for the care they received and the community they now cherish.
