Transposition of Great Arteries with VSD and PDA: A Mother’s Fight - Baby Ray’s Journey Through OHS

Written by mommy Cristina Borres Bagol

Major Operation: Arterial Switch Operation (ASO)

Diagnosis: Congenital Heart Defect (CHD) – d-Transposition of the Great Arteries (d-TGA) with Ventricular Septal Defect (VSD) and Patent Ductus Arteriosus (PDA)

It all began when Baby Ray was just a month old. He cried endlessly through the nights, restless and inconsolable. After his baptism, our worry grew stronger, and we decided to consult a pediatrician. We brought him to Dr. Remotigue at Chong Hua Hospital, where he underwent a 2D Echo.

The results shattered my world.

While the doctor was explaining the diagnosis, my tears wouldn’t stop. It felt like the ground had been pulled from under me. I pitied my baby so much—he was so small, so fragile—and yet he needed an urgent operation. His oxygen saturation was only at 45%. We were told it was critical.

At that moment, I didn’t even notice how my three other children were coping. As a mother, it broke my heart not to be able to care for them during this time. But it was also then that I felt the overwhelming love of our family and of God.

We turned to Facebook, sharing our story and asking for help. We posted photos, and my partner’s family stepped in with financial support. We borrowed money just to pay for transportation because Baby Ray’s case needed immediate emergency surgery. Thankfully, the operation itself was covered under charity care.

We prayed constantly. And we endured. Since charity cases involve long waiting times, we stayed in Manila for nearly a month just for the check-ups. We had to line up early to get a priority number for every visit. Hunger and exhaustion became part of our reality. We had almost no money—so we practiced OMAD (one meal a day)—just to make it through for Baby Ray.

Finally, on April 25, 2025, Baby Ray was admitted.

On April 28, he underwent open-heart surgery.

We waited for nine long hours. Then we were told Baby Ray was in the Surgical Intensive Care Unit (SICU). He stayed there for 10 days, and another 10 days in the Pediatric ICU (PICU). His wound had to remain open for some time due to infection. I was terrified.

Eventually, Baby Ray was moved to the ward—but then we saw painful rashes on his skin, some even with blood. My heart broke again.

But today, the wound on his chest has shrunk. The rashes have disappeared, thanks to consistent care and medication.

And Baby Ray is still here—stronger than ever. 🥹❤️

To parents of babies with heart conditions:

Please believe—you can do this. Speak to your baby. Let them know you’re there. They hear you. They feel your strength.

And you, as a parent—fight with everything you have. Fight with your prayers, with your love, with your presence. This may be the hardest journey you will ever walk, but it is also the most meaningful—because it’s a fight for life.

If our baby could make it through, your baby can too.

Prayers were our weapon. Faith was our anchor. Love was our strength.

💖 Never stop fighting. Never stop believing. 💖