Ari - "Lion of God"

Ari, whose name means “Lion of God,” has already proven just how fitting that name is.

He was born on March 23, 2023, weighing 8 pounds 4 ounces. Everything seemed perfect — until just a few hours after his birth. While holding him and trying to feed him, I noticed his breathing was raspy and labored. When I brought this up, a nurse initially dismissed my concerns as normal for newborns. But as his breathing worsened, a nurse finally listened to my instincts.

What followed is a blur: machines, oxygen, medical staff rushing in and out, and my baby being taken away abruptly. Hours later, we learned that Ari was born with a very rare heart defect and needed emergency surgery at another hospital. In shock, we were sent home to pack bags and prepare for the unknown.

Ari was meant to be here with us. At three days old, he underwent his first heart surgery and fought with incredible strength. But this was just the beginning. For the first four months of his life, Ari was repeatedly hospitalized — on and off oxygen and feeding tubes, undergoing countless tests, x-rays, transfusions, and never being able to experience the outside world. He missed being held, rocked to sleep, and simply living the fresh, new life he deserved.

Finally, bringing him home was the next greatest gift. Even while quarantined and struggling with feeding, Ari never gave up. He skipped crawling and began walking just before his first birthday — a true testament to his strength and resilience.

His Glenn procedure followed shortly after, and this time we were able to return home just ten days later.

Today, Ari is almost three years old and continues to amaze us. He works diligently with Speech and OT Therapists twice a week to overcome developmental delays, and every milestone is a blessing. His smile, intelligence, and endurance inspire everyone around him.

We are currently awaiting his next heart surgery, scheduled for next year. Until then, we continue to fight alongside Ari and will never give up.

Share your story!