Early in 2025, in an effort to learn more about her son’s autism diagnosis, Lena did a genetic test for her 7-year-old son, Jax. The results revealed 13q deletion syndrome. To identify any issues that could arise, Jax saw four different specialists. One of these visits was with UPMC Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh's cardiologist, Linda Russo, MD, who discovered that Jax had an atrial septal defect, a common congenital heart condition caused by a hole between the right and left atrium.
Jax’s parents felt fearful and had many questions about his diagnosis and the need for open heart surgery to repair the hole in Jax’s heart. However, these fears were eased when Dr. Russo connected them with pediatric cardiothoracic surgeon, Richard Tang, MD.
“The whole team was just phenomenal,” Lena recalls. “They were very attentive and knowledgeable. If we needed anything, they were right there.”
Dr. Tang successfully performed the surgery in July 2025, and within weeks, Jax’s parents could see the positive changes in his energy levels.
“He was always an active child, but now it’s like someone put a battery in him,” Lena says.
Like many children with autism, Jax enjoys playing with objects that spin. Throughout his life, he has collected more than 20 fans. Lena explained that it’s something that brings him comfort and regulates him.
“After his surgery, it was the first thing he wanted to hold.”