For ten years now, I have been living with a victim of Supraventricular Tachycardia. My little brother, Ryan, is living proof that there is a God and that miracles do happen every day. When Ryan was born, he was immediately air lifted to MUSC Hospital in Charleston, South Carolina. While in flight, they lost him, but the paramedics brought him back. After numerous tests were run, he was diagnosed with Supraventricular Tachycardia. Heart conditions run in our family, but hearing the news was still devastating. Sitting in the MUSC waiting room with my Dad and my Mimi, while my Mom lay in a hospital bed in Conway Hospital and my little brother lay in an incubator in MUSC Hospital, the realization that I could lose my mother and my brother all at once hit me. Not knowing what was going to happen, if they would live or die, and not fully understanding the situation was all too much for a six year old little girl to handle. I am writing this blog so people that have family members or friends with SVT know that they are not alone and know that there is always hope. I also want to dedicate this to my family and to Ryan. He is my little brother, a miracle… my inspiration.
Ryan, At Home. Personal photograph by author. 2001.
Lauren, I admire the purpose for your blog very much. I am really looking forward to see the rest of your blog. Supraventricular Tachycardia seems like an interesting topic. We both are researching on heart conditions; we should collaborate on some of our ideas! The best of luck with the rest of your blog!
ReplyDeleteLauren, to be completely honest I had a little tear in my eye as I read this. First of all, let me say that I’m glad you brother is okay! I believe your blog will be very eye opening to anyone who reads it. I am looking forward to seeing the rest of your blog,good luck!
ReplyDeleteLauren, I admire the fact that you are strong enough to talk about this issue to the world. You are a very strong girl, and I am very happy your brother is okay! I like the fact that you said that other families that have a member with SVT are not alone and they should not worry about the bad things that may happen. You are doing a great job with this! Keep it up!
ReplyDeleteLauren, your topic is so heartfelt and I feel that you are doing a wonderful job expressing the reality and the seriousness of this heart disease. I am glad that you can connect to it on a level so deep and with that connection it will make your blog even more powerful because it is something that you are passionate about. Keep up the good work, and I am looking forward to staying connected to your blog.
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