Hypoplastic Left Heart Syndrome / Pulmonary Stenosis
Club:
Three Rivers School
Club's City, State:
Sunriver, OR
Date Adopted:
02/11/2026
Service Hours:
Meet Braxton
Read Braxton's Story
Meet one-year-old Braxton, a snuggly Daddy’s boy who loves stealing beanies and hats, cuddling his soft blankies, and giving “nogs”—a sweet hello where he gently touches his head to yours.
While Braxton was still growing in his mommy’s belly, doctors noticed during an ultrasound that his heart was a little different.
After seeing many doctors, Braxton was diagnosed with two serious heart conditions: Hypoplastic Left Heart Syndrome and pulmonary stenosis.
Left Heart Syndrome means the left side of Braxton’s heart did not grow all the way, so it cannot pump blood to the rest of his body very well.
Pulmonary stenosis means the pathway from his heart to his lungs is too narrow, making it harder for blood to get oxygen.
These diagnoses can also make feeding a challenge for babies. Braxton uses a special tube called a “G-tube,” that goes directly into his belly to eat.
Because he was so sick, Braxton needed ECMO, a special life-support machine that helps the heart and lungs rest by adding oxygen to his blood—like a temporary heart-lung helper.
Braxton was transferred to Stanford Hospital in California, where he had a big heart surgery to help blood flow through his body and keep him alive.
Braxton had to stay in the hospital for seven months. During that time, he needed medicines through IVs, extra oxygen to help him breathe, and many procedures and surgeries.
So far, Braxton has had two open-heart surgeries and six procedures to help his veins. He will need two more heart surgeries and someday, a heart transplant.
Braxton will be adopted as a Sparrow by Three Rivers K-8 School, in Sunriver. Students will work together to earn money through kind acts and community service, cheering Braxton on as he and his family continue his brave medical journey.
