Tetralogy of Fallot (TOF): Our Heart Warrior - Cael Matthew's Journey

written by mommy Carol Jean Luna

I delivered Cael Matthew via normal delivery at just 34 weeks. He was so tiny and fragile—I was honestly afraid to carry him because he weighed only 1.8 kg. I remember crying so hard when they brought him to the NICU. He stayed there for 5 days.

As if that wasn’t already hard enough, we received news that shattered us even more. His neonatologist heard a heart murmur and immediately called a pediatric cardiologist. A 2D Echo was done right away, and Cael was diagnosed with Congenital Heart Disease – Tetralogy of Fallot, a condition involving four heart defects.

I couldn’t even process what the doctor said at that moment. I was in shock—this was our first baby. We prayed for him, we waited for him… and that was the news we received. It was heartbreaking.

When he was just months old, I would often find myself staring at him as he slept peacefully, while I cried silently. I felt like I was losing my mind—probably a mix of postpartum hormones and emotional exhaustion. I couldn't accept that he had a heart condition. I was in denial, hoping it would just heal on its own. But the more I researched, the more I realized that open-heart surgery was the only option. His pedia advised us to prepare for it around his first birthday, but we weren’t emotionally ready. We were anxious, afraid, and overwhelmed. That’s when I started praying even more deeply—to Mama Mary in Simala, and to Sr. Sto. Niño. We asked for signs, for clarity, and for strength to face this challenge.

When he turned 2, the signs became more urgent. He started having Tet spells—turning blue, especially on his fingers and toes. He would squat to ease his breathing. That was the sign I needed. I knew it was time. I prayed, “Lord, if this is Your will, please make the process smooth and be with us.” And truly, looking back, we saw His hand in everything. It wasn’t easy—but we were never alone. God provided every step of the way.

With the help of GL’s, Ms. Diane from Let It Echo, and our family and friends, we were able to complete the funds needed for his surgery.

Cael was admitted on April 30, 2025. His open-heart surgery was scheduled on May 2, 2025. They brought him into the OR at 12:30 PM. That day felt like the longest 6–7 hours of our lives. We were full of fear, anxiety, and silent prayers. The surgeon didn’t come out for updates for hours, which only made us more nervous. Finally, she came out and said, “Your son is so strong. Everything went well. We’re just closing the layers now, and he’ll be transferred to the SICU soon.”

It was only then that we could finally breathe.

Looking back at this journey, especially for fellow heart warrior parents—this path is not easy. It tests your faith, your strength, and your endurance. But it also shows how far we parents are willing to go for our child.

We know that post-operation recovery is another journey on its own. But we are here,fighting. What matters most is that Matthew is now doing so great—he’s singing, dancing, and just being a joyful little boy again!

We are eternally grateful to the doctors, nurses, and the entire medical team who took such excellent care of Cael Matthew. Their skill, compassion, and dedication truly became God’s instruments of healing for our son.

Almost a month post-operation, Cael told us something that made us teary eyed:

“Mama, wala na lagi ko hangos no?”

And at that moment, we knew. Indeed, there is hope, there is healing.

We just need to trust, have faith, and hold on to God’s promise. 🙏💙