When first-time parents Kayla and Austin discovered their son Beckett would be born with a congenital heart defect, they turned to a hospital for the highly specialized care needed to save their baby boy’s life. Beckett would need three open heart surgeries when his heart was still the size of a walnut.
Fortunately, Beckett was able to receive all the care he needed from a coordinated team of more than 40 professionals, including surgeons, physicians, nurses and more. They all worked together to ensure Beckett received the care he needed. As Beckett’s mom said, “We have so much trust in our team of caregivers and are so thankful for a hospital that can provide all the care we need under one roof.”
During Beckett’s hospital stay, his parents and the hospital staff built close relationships, with Kayla and Austin showing their appreciation for Beckett’s care team by keeping a candy jar stocked for them. One nurse reflected: “Through little Beckett’s time at the hospital, I felt like a member of their family – sharing their emotions and supporting baby Beckett through his recovery.” On the day Beckett was finally cleared to go home with his parents, the team filled the hospital with bubbles, cheers and well wishes to celebrate Beckett’s successful recovery.
Today, Beckett is hitting all the milestones for a healthy one year old. Beckett’s mom gives all the credit to the care he received, saying, “Our son would not be here without a hospital.”
Stories like Beckett’s highlight the essential, multidisciplinary care only hospitals provide, including to the youngest, most vulnerable patients. To support more patients like Beckett and his family, policymakers must prioritize strengthening resources and support for patient care.