Meet Tyson

AGE: 10 Years Old ​

DIAGNOSIS: Hypoplastic Right Ventricle, Tricuspid Atresia, Coarctation of Aorta, Transposed Great Arteries, with VSD and ASD. Later diagnosed with left pulmonary vein stenosis. ​ TREATED AT: Toronto's Hospital for Sick Children

Tyson was born with half a heart, but at 13 days old, with the heart of a warrior, underwent his first open-heart surgery. Tyson was born with a severe, complex heart defect called Tricuspid Atresia and Hypoplastic Right Heart; meaning he only had one-half of his heart that functioned. His first open heart surgery was just one of the battles he had to fight to survive, undergoing his second at 5 ½ months old, and a third just after his second birthday. Most single vertical infants, having undergone three palliative surgeries would find themselves entering childhood understanding a heart transplant may be in the future, but not imminent. This was not the case for Tyson, when the diagnosis of pulmonary vein stenosis meant the fear of transplant was mounting with every passing day. Even after five additional cardiac catheterizations, numerous tests, and scans, the increased venous pressure from the inability to close his Fontan fenestration left his future health unknown. However, his parents also had the hearts of warriors; tirelessly searching for new ways to support their son through his countless admissions to Toronto’s Hospital for Sick Children. Their determination to keep his need for transplant at bay paid off; and after years of research and experimenting, they found a natural health solution to support his immune and respiratory function. Tyson has been hospital free for over 4 years now, allowing him, his siblings, and parents some well-needed peace and stability in their life. Today, Tyson is very active in sports. He loves hockey, soccer, basketball, swimming, and he cheers for the Toronto Maple Leafs. Having looked back at their time yo-yo-ing from one admission to the next, this almost normal life was unthinkable when their world was consumed with keeping their son alive. His mom writes, “He’s quirky, funny, and the bravest kid I know.”