Total anomalous pulmonary venous return (TAPVR): Kenneth Lance Dolera’s story
on April 6, 2023 by mom Cindy Dolera
My name is Cindy, mother of Kenneth Lance Dolera. I am a housewife and Kenneth is my only son. While I was pregnant with Lance, I did not feel anything abnormally different nor was I sick. I never thought Lance would have issues in the heart. It was only when he was 2-months old that I noticed he turned blue whenever he cried. That was when I decided to check with a pediatrician. According to the pediatrician, she heard a heart murmur and so referred us to pedia cardiologist for further diagnosis. It was the cardiologist who confirmed that Lance has a defect in the heart called Total anomalous pulmonary venous return (TAPVR). I was told that his current situation is difficult and will need urgent surgery. I promised myself that I will do everything I can to find the needed help to fix my son’s heart. Because of his heart condition, he is sickly and often in and out of the hospital.
Fast forward to July 11, 2020, I brought my 2 kids with me, my 11 year old daughter and Lance who was already 2 years old, to Manila. Even if it was difficult, I endured it just so I can extend my son’s life. When we reached Manila, I did not have even 1 Guarantee Letter. I told myself to not lose hope. At least, I was now there where processing is, hopefully, faster. I went to all agencies and party lists in search of help. I held on to my strength and on the belief that I can save my son’s life. There were many other challenges we went through before his surgery, and many times when I only had Php 100 in my pocket and nothing else. I did not mind as I continued to persist for my son.
On November 2, 2021, we were nearing his surgery schedule. Alas, he tested positive on the covid RT PCR test requirement for pre-admission. I was devastated. I asked the universe why this had to happen when everything was supposed to be ready. I had the money, through Guarantee Letters, needed for surgery. I had no choice but to accept it. We got pushed out to 8 weeks for another schedule. On the second schedule, he tested positive again. I was already doubting. I wanted to give up but I can see in my son’s face that he really wanted to have a happy fixed heart and move like a normal kid. Because I am a mother and with the encouragement from other heart moms, I gambled again for another surgery schedule 8 weeks after. On the 3rd schedule, he passed his covid test and we were finally admitted. After celebrating for a few minutes, my nervousness and fear began to sink in. I always feared that Lance would collapse and pass any time. I thought it would be better to do something about his condition and fight for him rather than always fearing the unknown. With God’s grace, the surgery was successful. I rejoiced and am truly grateful to everyone who guided me and helped me through this journey.
With this, I have only one piece of advice to all parents who are like me whose kid has congenital heart defects. Don’t ever give up because of circumstance. Most especially, never give up on your child. I know it is difficult, especially that it’s our child’s life we are gambling. However, we should be more scared knowing there is help, that it can be fixed, yet we are doing nothing. Because I was able to do it, you can do it too. Just hold on to the Lord and to your own strength. Trust your child too. Just fight, mommy and daddy!
Always grateful for riders like Bernard and Jacob going the extra miles to show their care ❤️ They are keys to mom Cindy’s YES in pursuing heart fix for Lance.
https://www.sunstar.com.ph/article/1958694/cebu/local-news/the-ride-that-fixed-a-kids-heart
