The Heart of a Fighter: Baby Prince is a healthy 2-year-old thanks to Diamond Children’s

02/01/2022

Just 29 weeks along in her pregnancy, Jamie and her husband received startling news about their baby’s development: he was not swallowing and he had a heart condition.

Prince was born at Diamond Children’s Medical Center in November 2019 and was immediately transferred to the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU). He was diagnosed with congenital heart disease and a life-threating condition called Tracheoesophageal Fistula with Esophageal Atresia Type C. The condition effects breathing, as the fluid from the esophagus can get into the airway.

Prince’s first surgery at just four days old was a tracheoesophageal fistula with atresia repair, to repair his esophagus and trachea. He would then have G-tube, or gastronomy surgery, to insert a feeding tube through his abdomen into his stomach to enhance his nutrition.


Prince’s time in the Diamond Children’s NICU included an episode where he stopped breathing and required intubation. Doctors later found that he had stuffed a seizure and a stroke. During a heart procedure at 11 months old, Prince’s heart stopped. He was brought back to life thanks to CPR. In July of this year, Prince had a five-hour, open-heart surgery.

Thankfully, today, Prince is 2 years old, progressing well, and exceeding all recovery expectations.

“He has so much energy and his doctor says that everything looks good and no more surgeries are needed,” says Jamie. “Diamond Children’s is the best place for care. Words cannot express how much I appreciate everyone at the hospital. The Child Life team at Diamond Children’s and the NICU/PICU nurses treat Prince like family. The University of Arizona mascots brought us Valentines, I love the Disney team, and Mr. Nature was very relaxing for Prince, singing him to sleep. Everything they do is so important for the children and also for the families. They help us parents, too.”

For Prince’s birthday this year, the family asked friends and family to donate to support children and families at Diamond Children’s Medical Center in lieu of gifts for Prince. “The community of support that is provided at Diamond Children’s is incredible. We’d like to thank the amazing cardiology team, surgeons, doctors, nurses, staff, child life and everyone who has come Prince’s way,” says Jamie.

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