Four months ago, my parents brought me to the hospital to take some pictures of me with an ultrasound
                             machine.  Knowing that they were watching me, I did my best to dance and wave for them.  Mom and
                             Dad were amused, but I don't think the technicians were.  They were mostly interested in getting some
                             close pictures of my head, heart, and spine.  I guess I made it hard for them, because 3 different technicians
                             and a radiologist had a go at working the machine.  Everything seemed fine, though, at least that's what
                             Mom and Dad thought.  But they were soon to discover my little secret.
 

You see, I was trying to hide the fact that there were some problems with me.  Serious problems.  When Mom and Dad did find out my secret, it was very hard for them to take the news.  I can understand that, because I don't act like there are any problems.  I'm not in pain, and I move and kick like any other fetus my age.  In fact, my mother has been told she should expect a normal pregnancy up until the day I'm born.  After that, things become significantly more complicated.

There are actually three significant problems with me.  They are:

Hypoplastic Left Heart Syndrome
Underdeveloped brain (causing hydrocephalus)
A kinked lower spine

The first problem, Hypoplastic Left Heart Syndrome (HLHS) is the most serious problem of the three.  It is characterized by an underdeveloped left ventricle in my heart.
Fortunately, there are things that can be done for my defective heart. There are a series of surgical procedures called the Norwood Procedure, the Cavo Pulmonary Shunt, and the Fontans Procedure which would have to be performed at various stages of my life. There is also the possibility of having a Heart Transplant. Each of these things carry special risks in my case. The Norwood Procedure would be done very soon after I'm born, and because of the other two problems, there is a chance I won't be strong enough to endure the procedure, especially if surgery needed to be done right away to help the other two problems. As for a Heart Transplant, there is a risk I would be rejected as a candidate for a heart, because there are other more healthy babies waiting for a heart, and there are just not enough to go around, so they would get first chance.
 The second problem I have is much simpler than the first, but is just about as severe. The simple fact is that my brain is too small for my head. What this means, is that my brain has not developed properly to entirely fill the space in my head, so the extra space is filled with fluid. At first, my mother's doctor thought I had a condition called Hydrocephalus, where there is excess water on the brain which can cause excess pressure on the brain if it isn't corrected. Surgery can be done to fix this by draining the fluid with a shunt. In my case, though, there is no pressure on my brain, it is actually underdeveloped, so there is nothing that can be done about it. This means that when I am born, I may have anything from reduced mental and physical abilities to an inability to sustain my own life.
 The final problem I have is that the base of my spine is kinked inward. A normal spine has an outward curve near the base. This problem can be corrected with surgery, and has varying degrees of outcome based on the severity of the condition. If there is no spinal cord damage, then it's possible to restore normal operation of my lower limbs. If there is damage to the spinal cord, I may be paralyzed below the hip.

 
Well, that just about sums it up. It seems I am in pretty bad shape, although I try my best to make it not seem that way. When I'm awake, I make sure Mom knows I'm here by moving around and punching her tummy. Mommy's doctor says I'm growing properly and am the right size for my age. Everyone expects that I'll come into the world as naturally as any other baby.

I will be born at McMaster University Hospital. There will be extra doctors and specialists around for my birth to look after me and handle any special circumstances. They will take me to the special neo-natal intensive care unit to do an assessment and monitor my condition. Mom and Dad will then have to decided what they want the doctors to do for me. If the surgeries outlined above look like they will help me, I will be transferred to Sick Kid's Hospital in Toronto. If it looks like the surgeries might be too much for me to handle, or they can't stabilize me, I'll stay at McMaster and receive palliative care.

Thanks for taking the time to read my story. I will try to keep this page up to date as things progress. Mom and Dad love to hear from people who are thinking of the three of us or praying for us. They also don't mind answering any questions about me.

May God richly bless you,

Junior.

February 3, 2000

Mom saw her obstetrician again today, and he said that I am getting pretty big. Almost big enough to be born. So he said he'd like to start inducing labour starting on the 15th. The doctor will start with a gel which may or may not work. If it doesn't, Mom will go in on the 18th and be given an IV which will start things fairly quickly. This means I'll probably be born somewhere between the 15th and the 18th. Wow, I'll finally get to see some of you nice people!

Mom and Dad seem a bit anxious. The time is coming soon for me to arrive, and they're still working on a name for me! I know they'll be fine, though, and God will look after us. I'm looking forward to that day, as I know Mom and Dad are too. It may be warm in here, but it's getting a little cramped for space...

Hope to see you soon,

Junior.

February 20, 2000

Well, the big day finally arrived, and "Junior" came into the world. At 2:23 am on Saturday February 19, Theresa gave birth to a baby girl who we finally named "Faith Anne". She weighs 6 pounds 8 ounces and is 18 1/2" long. Theresa was in labour for 16 hours before Faith was born via cesarean section. A full compliment of medical specialists were on hand in the operating room and were ready for any situation. In the end, however, when the pediatric doctor examined Faith's heart, she determined it was just too weak to proceed with any medical interventions. Theresa and I were able to hold Faith for about 1/2 hour before the strain on her heart was too much for her. The Lord mercifully took Faith from us into His presence in heaven at about 3:00 am.

We are saddened that Faith was not with us long, but we knew that this was a possibility long before she was born. We are glad that, if in fact she suffered any pain at all, it was not for long. Although we had hoped and prayed for a better outcome, the Lord in His ultimate wisdom had a different plan.

Theresa and I would like to thank everyone who have extended their thoughts and prayers to us, they are very much appreciated. Please continue to keep Theresa and I in your prayers in the coming weeks, especially Theresa as she deals with many things including a long (4 to 6 weeks) recovery from the surgery.

May God richly bless you,

Trevor and Theresa Unrau.

To read more of my story please go to my website