Meet Bryson, a smiley, soulful little one-year-old who loves excavators, anything with a steering wheel he can “drive,” music and dancing, and snacking on his favorite foods, especially watermelon.
In the later stages of pregnancy, Bryson’s mom, Tanya, had an ultrasound that revealed something wrong with her unborn baby boy’s heart.
Tanya was sent to Doernbecher Children’s Hospital in Portland, where it was discovered that Bryson only had three chambers, instead of four in a typical heart.
Bryson had his first heart procedure when he was only one week old. He recovered well and got to go home for the holidays.
Bryson was required to go back to Portland multiple times for difficulty breathing due to respiratory illnesses including RSV.
Bryson had an additional surgery when he was six months old. Unfortunately, he got very sick afterward and had to stay in the hospital for IV antibiotics for four weeks.
Bryson requires close monitoring including ultrasounds of his heart, blood draws, and he takes medicine every day.
He goes to physical therapy every week and doctors say he will require an additional heart surgery in the future.
Despite all these medical challenges, Bryson stays happy and full of joy! He inspires his family, friends, and everyone he meets!
Bryson will be adopted as a Sparrow to Crook County Middle School in Prineville. Students will work hard to earn money for Bryson through sponsored community service, supporting him and cheering him on as he and his family continue to navigate his medical journey
