Matthew's story

Long before the littlest member of the Maddock family entered the world (September 20, 2009) we knew he was going to be special. He was diagnosed with Down syndrome and AVSD.

To tell you the truth, having Down syndrome has not meant much to Matthew's life so far. However, his heart defect (AVSD) has caused him more doctor appointments and medicines and now, the unavoidable surgery date has arrived.

AVSD stands for atrioventricular septal defect which is also known as atrioventricular canal defect or endocardial cushion defect. AVSD accounts for about 5 percent of all congenital heart disease, and is most common in infants with Down syndrome.

Without going into all the medical details, Matthew basically has a standard heart but none of the 4 chambers are separated from each other and where there should be two valves, Matthew has only one. The surgeons will separate the portions of his valve to create the two valves he needs and then close off the 4 chambers. Keep in mind that his heart is about the size of a large walnut.

We have been told that the surgery will take 5 to 7 hours to complete and that Matthew will be on a bypass machine the entire time. The surgeon thinks he will be in the hospital for about a week but it could be longer.

We ask you for your prayers during this next week.

Thank you,

Lori, Michael, Mary, Mikey and Matthew Maddock