Megan knew early in her pregnancy that her son, Lorenzo, had hypoplastic left heart syndrome — a rare congenital heart defect where the left side of the heart is underdeveloped. It is treated through a series of three open heart procedures to improve how blood flows through the heart. UPMC Children’s pediatric cardiothoracic surgeon Victor Morell, MD, performed the first two surgeries before Lorenzo was 3 months old.
“It felt like a rollercoaster at times, but the doctors, nurses, and staff were great,” Megan says. “It was like he was with family. We knew he was in good hands.”
In June 2025, when Lorenzo was 3 years old, pediatric cardiologist Sara Trucco, MD, performed a pre-Fontan study to check his cardiovascular system. The Fontan procedure — the final stage of the repair — is tentatively planned for spring 2026, after he grows a bit more.
As usual, Lorenzo’s Blankie and Sheepy were by his side at the hospital.
“He loves them so much,” Megan explains. “He takes them everywhere!” Lorenzo was soon back at home, running around like a whirlwind.
“Early on, Dr. Morell told me ‘Lorenzo’s just a boy. Don’t ever treat him any different,’” Megan recalls. “I’ll never forget that.”