One out of every 100 newborns is diagnosed with a heart defect. Without surgery, only one in ten of these children will survive. With the care of specialists at Miller Children’s Hospital Long Beach in her court, Kelly Giron became that one.

At age 17, Kelly was focused on her advanced placement classes in her senior year at Libra Academy in Huntington Park. Then the severe headaches began. The pain progressed to where, on Christmas day, Kelly was taken to the emergency room of a nearby hospital. The X-ray of Kelly’s skull was telling.

“The doctor described the mass to us as a ‘white spot,’ and immediately contacted Miller Children’s. At that point, we knew how serious this situation was. We were both scared,” says Olga Guillen, Kelly’s mother. “From the very beginning, Miller Children’s was wonderful. Their care for Kelly began the second they sent one of their ambulance teams to pick up Kelly.”

OFFENSIVE STRATEGY
Kelly’s headaches stemmed from the pressure of a potentially deadly brain abscess, a collection of immune cells and other material in the brain caused by an infection.

“Kelly’s condition was unusual because she was otherwise healthy,” says David Chun, M.D., pediatric cardiologist, Miller Children. “Our experienced Pediatric Intensive Care Unit physicians knew there had to be another layer. This is why they called me. We needed a closer look at Kelly’s heart.”

For more detailed pictures of Kelly’s heart, Dr. Chun threaded a flexible probe down her esophagus, or the food pipe directly behind the heart. The procedure confirmed that Kelly had a hole in her heart, a condition known as an atrial septal defect (ASD).

“Kelly needed two surgeries. The first to remove the brain abscess because not only was it painful but it was affecting her vision and balance. The second to repair her heart,” says Dr. Chun.

WORLD-CLASS COMFORT
As one of only a few programs in Southern California to offer comprehensive congenital cardiac care, the Pediatric Heart Center at Miller Children’s is uniquely and completely specialized to assist kids like Kelly. Expert diagnoses and treatments for virtually all types of congenital heart defects through the latest interventional treatment options are available in one location, under one roof.

Its depth of expertise sets Miller Children’s apart. Congenital cardiac surgeons, critical care physicians, pediatric and adult cardiologists, anesthesiologists, advanced practice nurses and other specialists work together to develop the best treatment plans possible. And with its proximity to and partnership with Long Beach Memorial, Miller Children’s ensures a smooth transition to an adult care setting when needed.

“Kelly’s situation was unique. She was born with a heart defect that went undiagnosed for nearly 18 years. The brain abscess was a warning sign of her underlying heart condition. She needed a specialized congenital heart team to make that link,” says Shaun Setty, M.D., congenital heart surgeon, Miller Children’s. “It’s important to understand that treating children is very different than treating adults. From the tiniest newborn, to a transitioning adolescent, through adulthood, it’s what we do all day everyday here at Miller Children’s.”

STRONG REBOUND
Olga spent many nights over the coming weeks sleeping in a bed by her daughter’s side. “We could feel the love and support at Miller Children’s every step of the way. It made the healing process for Kelly so much easier. As a parent, that’s priceless,” says Olga.

After returning home from her first surgery, Kelly went on to graduate from high school with honors. In October, she came back to Miller Children’s to have her heart surgery.

“Although Kelly’s procedure was a bit more complicated, we were able to successfully operate on her heart and get her back home quickly,” says Dr. Setty. “With congenital heart defects, the key is immediate diagnosis at birth. At Miller Children’s, we can even diagnose and treat babies while they are still in the womb during a mother’s pregnancy. It can make all the difference in a baby’s ability to thrive and avoid complications.”

A FULL HEART
With just three days in the hospital this time, Kelly returned home, eager to get back to her normal routine. She is looking forward to regularly getting back on the basketball court.

“My caregivers at Miller Children’s touched my heart,” says Kelly, who excels in math and science. “I’ve been thinking about making nursing my career. I want to help and care for others just as they helped and cared for me.”