“It all started July 27, 1997 when my son Jake was born. He was born at Hollywood Memorial West. About five hours after his birth they discovered my son Jake had some heart problems. By the next day my son was diagnosed with hypoplastic left heart syndrome, a rare congenital heart defect in which the left side of the heart is severely underdeveloped. That same day he was taken by helicopter to the best hospital in the world—Nicklaus Children's Hospital, formerly Miami Children's Hospital.
It was here where we were given hope. Within a few days of arrival my son was operated on by Dr. Redmond Burke. He spent about thirty five days in your hospital for his first surgery. We were given tremendous support and shown a great deal of kindness. My son went back to your hospital for two more surgeries to repair his heart. He is now almost thirteen years old, and you would never know that my son had such a rough start to life. Thanks to your great doctors (Dr. Burke and Dr. Aldousany) and nurses, I have my miracle son, Jake.”
Susan - Miami, Florida