Routine prenatal testing showed that Jaylin had Down syndrome. When she was born in September 2024, doctors also found she had an atrioventricular septal defect — with two holes in the center of her heart. It’s the most common heart defect in children with Down syndrome.
Jaylin had other heart issues as well. In the first three weeks of her life, she had two open heart surgeries — the first to widen a narrowed aortic arch to improve blood flow and the second to place a pulmonary artery band to improve heart function.
When Jaylin went home in November, a furry friend was waiting for her. Fox, who plays lullabies, “breathes,” and gives off a soft light, helps her fall asleep. Jaylin has become so attached to Fox that her mom has acquired additional foxes “just in case.”
In February 2025, after she had some time to grow, Jaylin and Fox went to UPMC Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh, where pediatric cardiothoracic surgeon Mario Castro-Medina, MD, repaired the holes in her heart.
Jaylin is now thriving. She is sitting independently and working hard to crawl and pull herself up. Her bright, unstoppable personality shines around people. She loves seeing new faces, learning new things, and exploring her world.