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anonymous
Congenital heart defect
NY ,
USA
My son was born 25 years ago with Transposition of the Greater Arteries. He was taken by Mercy flight to Boston Children's Hospital; I discharged myself from Buffalo Children's so that my husband & I could fly on a commercial airline to meet him. I can tell you that I relate to every aspect of your Ted Talk and have been reading your book, realizing that "only the names change" the stories remain the same. Five years prior to our son's birth, the mortality rate for his "defect" was 95%. He has had three open heart surgeries and many many hospital visits and procedures. At one point , we were told to "just take him home and enjoy him..." That boy is now applying to medical school, is a compassionate, loving , human being with incredible artist talent and majored in music for part of his college career. ENJOY him we do! I absolutely relate to the parent you referenced..for him, I wish he was "normal". For me , (my husband passed away 10 years ago) I would never ever trade him, the richness he has brought into all of our lives because of his "defect" I am emailing both my sons your talk-you had me in tears.