Welcome to Brantley's Warriors: Our Journey Begins

Our journey began early 2023 when we found out that we were expecting. I'll never forget that first appointment and leaving worried as the ultrasound showed something wasn't quite right. My OB sent off bloodwork so that we could get to the root of what the ultrasound was finding. She explained to me what she was seeing and also comforted my worried heart.

As I drove back home, tears in my eyes, I turned on my Christian music playlist and the first song that played was In Jesus Name (God of Possible) - Katy Nichole. Little did I know that would become the song I would frequent my entire pregnancy.

What seemed like months later, it wasn't but the anticipation of our results gave me anxiety, we got the results. There was a high chance, our little one, had Trisomy 21. My doctor had called and wanted me to come in to give me the results in person. I remember breaking down in tears. Feeling like I had some how failed my unborn child. During this appointment we found out, this little one, was a boy. I remember feeling all sorts of emotions and the unknown of "how will I be able to do this" felt like a heavy weight pinning me down. I was referred to a high risk OB office as we needed to be followed closely.

Our first appointment came with our additional OB and we had extensive scans to obtain a baseline. During this appointment, it felt like we were being struck down again as we found out our little one would be born with a congenital heart defect. This discovery added an addition medical professional to our journey. We now needed to see a pediatric cardiologist.

Meeting with our cardiologist we went through family history to establish if his heart defect was hereditary or due to his diagnosis of Trisomy 21. We found out the type of heart defect he had and what his life would look like. We also were told the hard reality of chances of survival and the risks associated. Again, I turned on In Jesus Name (God of Possible) and prayed for our son. I didn't want to lose him. I didn't want my body to give up and reject the pregnancy.

Fast forward to end of pregnancy, knowing our diagnosis and the risks he was faced with and having myself be diagnosed with gestational diabetes; our high risk OB advised us that with all we were facing, our boy would need to enter the world at 37 weeks.

37 weeks came, we made it! The whirlwind of a high risk pregnancy was soon over. Walking into that OR, praying heavily for a safe delivery, I laid on the table anxious. Squeezing the daylights out of my husband's hand, we heard those first cries. He made it! Brantley was here! Our miracle made his safe entrance into the world. Surrounded by doctors and nurses and the NICU team, they carefully checked over Brantley. Listening to his heart, doing all the test they needed to run and closely monitoring his oxygen levels, our boy was fighting. Fighting to show them how strong he is and how he would defy odds stacked up against him.

Our boy defied all odds against him, and we are so lucky. He didn't need oxygen, or a NICU stay, and heart surgery could wait for the time being.

After Brantley was born, we continued being closely monitored due to his congenital heart defect. We knew during the pregnancy that he would need heart surgery sometime before his 1st birthday and that we would have many visits to monitor his condition. December of 2023 we knew that heart surgery would be sooner than anticipated as his heart was failing, and we met with our surgeon. Meeting with her, brought comfort to my heart that I can't explain. I knew we were in the best hands and that our boy had the best fighting chance.

January 2024, being the most stressful time, heart surgery day was here. Just over 3 months old our boy underwent open heart surgery. This was so incredibly scary for his father and I. I remember sitting in the private waiting room praying nonstop while his father and I tried to ease our minds with games and distractions. Praise the Lord for guiding our surgeons hands as she was able to repair the three holes in our boy's heart and he was stable.

It was a long 10 days in the CCU (Cardiac Care Unit) at our Children's hospital, but honestly, every single person we came in contact with during our stay was more than amazing. From the custodial staff to the doctors and nurses. Everyone was there for us. I will never forget our janitor who came into clean our sons room. She looked over at him, and prayed over him and whispered the quietest most sincere amen. When I tell you the emotions of gratitude that flooded over me, and tears swelled in my eyes. She was a complete stranger but yet was praying for my son. My son that she didn't personally know, but her heart so pure to pray for him. I just know that she prays over all the other babies and children just as she prayed for my son. One day I would like to personally thank her as I know God answered her prayers just as he was answering ours.

From the very beginning, Brantley's life has been one miracle after another. Time and again, he has shown his incredible strength proving that his spirit is bigger than any challenge placed before him. With every milestone, he continues to amaze his care teams, defying the odds and rewriting expectations. But beyond his determination and fight for life, one thing remains constant--God's unwavering protection over him. Through every trial and triumph, we have seen His hand at work, guiding, shielding, and strengthening Brantley every step of the way. He is a true warrior and his journey is a beautiful testament to faith, resilience, and the power of love.

Thank you for reading our story and for being here with us. To all of Brantley's Warriors who have prayed over him, sent good vibes, and stood by our side--your love and support mean the world to us. We are forever grateful for this incredible community that surrounds our fighter.