Children born with heart problems often find comfort in meeting others who understand what they’re going through. For Braedyn and Grace, that support comes from each other. The siblings, just 16 months apart, both have congenital heart defects.
Two diagnoses, one strong bond
Braedyn, age 16, was born with aortic stenosis and a bicuspid aortic valve. This means the valve that sends blood from his heart to his body is too narrow. Also, instead of having three flaps like most people, his valve only has two. That can make it wear out faster or not work properly.
Grace, age 14, was born with hypoplastic left heart syndrome (HLHS). This is a serious condition where the left side of the heart didn’t grow the way it should. Because of this, her heart has trouble pumping blood to the rest of her body.
Even though their heart conditions are different, Braedyn and Grace have always supported each other.
“We’ve been put to the test,” said their mom, Calleigh. “But whatever challenge comes, we try to face it together as a family.”
Both have received expert care from the cardiovascular program at Children’s Minnesota.
Braedyn’s heart journey begins
Braedyn’s treatment started just hours after he was born. He needed an emergency balloon valvuloplasty. During the procedure, doctors at Children’s Minnesota used a tiny balloon to open his narrow aortic valve to help blood flow better.
The procedure went well, and after about a month in the hospital, Braedyn was able to go home. But his parents, Calleigh and Brad, knew the valve wouldn’t last forever.
Grace’s HLHS treatment plan
Grace has faced a more complicated path than her brother. Calleigh and Brad received the HLHS diagnosis during pregnancy. After researching, the couple decided Children’s Minnesota was the best place to treat their daughter’s heart defect. They met with David Overman, MD, chief of cardiovascular surgery, before Grace was born to learn about the surgeries she would need.
“We liked being able to meet Dr. Overman and learn about the treatment plan for Grace before I delivered,” Calleigh said.
Babies with HLHS usually need three surgeries to rebuild the heart. Grace had the first surgery — the Norwood procedure — just days after birth. She had the second surgery a few months later and the third when she was almost 4 years old.
Each surgery was tough, but Grace stayed strong. “She’s a very, very strong girl,” said Calleigh. Her strength would be put to the test again.
Siblings face heart surgery
In 2023, Braedyn and Grace’s cardiologist, Marko Vezmar, MD, medical director of interventional cardiology, recommended both of them have heart surgery.
Braedyn needed surgery to replace his worn-out aortic valve. The procedure went smoothly, and he made a speedy recovery. Calleigh and Brad hoped Grace would be a similar story.
Grace’s surgery was more complicated. She needed a different valve replaced. The operation was long but successful. However, her recovery was hard. She spent over 60 days in the Cardiovascular Intensive Care Unit (CVICU) at Children’s Minnesota. She needed a pacemaker and had to relearn how to move, speak, and regain strength.
“Grace was so brave and determined during her recovery from that surgery,” Calleigh described.
The Dullingers are grateful for the care and support they’ve received from the cardiovascular team at Children’s Minnesota.
“We trust our cardiovascular team so much. They’re great advocates for their patients,” Calleigh said.
Emergency care
Two emergency rooms. All for kids. Expert pediatric care using the latest techniques.
Looking forward: hope for the future
Braedyn and Grace still have regular checkups and may need more procedures in the future. But they don’t let their heart conditions stop them. They looked for sports that would be OK for their heart conditions and found bowling. Calleigh and Brad want their kids to experience the world, so they enjoy going on family vacations.
As they look to the future, the Dullingers hope Braedyn and Grace will lead full, meaningful lives.
“Even though they have these conditions, it shouldn’t hold you back. We want to support our children so they can lead the best life they can,” Calleigh said.
