The story of Ava Rose Marcellus

At four weeks of age Ava Rose Marcellus was diagnosed with a heart defect that affects the oxygen in her body called Transposition of the great arteries. Basically the two main arteries that pump oxygen to the lungs and body need to be switched in a open heart arterial switch surgery. Because this defect was not detected at birth Ava suffered from a brain injury due to lack of oxygen to her brain. Things were not looking good for Ava and because of the severity of her brain injury open heart surgery was not recommended for sometime for fear of additional bleeds to her already severely damaged brain.
This grim prognosis was given over a year ago. Ava is now 14 months old and developing in so many amazing ways doctors never thought she would. She is still in need of the arterial switch surgery and has undergone several surgeries to keep her heart functioning today. She is a miracle and an answer to many many prayers. The family continues to hope and pray for a full recovery once the surgery is complete.