We Are Children's » Samantha Aguilar: Share Your Story

Samantha Aguilar: Share Your Story

A baby born with Hypoplastic Left Heart Syndrome

By her mother, Xochil

My baby Samantha was born with Hypoplastic Left Heart Syndrome.

When she was born we had everything for her first open heart surgery. But there was a little problem. She was born premature and weighed only 1.6 kg, so the doctor who was going to perform the surgery couldn’t do it because of her weight.

That’s when Children’s Hospital Los Angeles came to the rescue. My baby was airlifted to the hospital and, after we met with the cardiologist, my baby had her first open heart surgery and she made it!

Thanks to Dr. Starnes and all those wonderful surgeons, cardiologist and nurses. All of them helped my baby go through her second surgery. They did an amazing job, but I guess my baby’s little heart couldn’t handle it anymore and stopped beating on May 24, 2008.

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She went to heaven, but I’m so thankful with the hospital and all the Cardiothoracic Intensive Care Unit (CTICU) staff for all the love and care they gave to my baby.

I know that my baby feels all the love that you guys give her. You were there day and night and always there for us too!

Thank you so much for helping all the babies out there affected by congenital heart problems! You are angels sent by God to help all those babies and families. All the hospital staff were friendly and helpful with everything, including social workers.

Thank you so much.