Just a few short months ago, mother-to-be Megan Wild was excitedly preparing for the arrival of her first child.

However, at her 20-week check-up, the joyous anticipation of motherhood turned into a daunting reality. Her doctor delivered devastating news: Her unborn son was diagnosed with hypoplastic left heart syndrome, a rare and life-threatening congenital heart defect that left part of his heart severely underdeveloped.

The emotional weight of the diagnosis hung over Wild and her partner, Luciano Reynaga, II like a dark cloud. As they navigated a whirlwind of medical terminology, appointments and consultations, a painful reality set in—without immediate and complex intervention, their child would face grave risks right after birth.

“It was supposed to be an exciting and happy time, but I was miserable and scared. I dreaded giving birth because I felt like he would be safer if he stayed inside of me,” says Wild.

Despite her fear and uncertainty, Wild remained resolute. She sought out the best medical care possible, finding herself at WMCHealth’s Maria Fareri Children’s Hospital, where a team of over 20 specialists would tackle her child’s condition with cutting-edge techniques.

It was here that Wild learned of a groundbreaking procedure that would allow her to be a literal lifeline for her son.  The complex, multi-step procedure had only been attempted twice in worldwide medical history. Neither of them had a successful result.

It would start with a Casarean-section, where Westchester Medical Center maternal-fetal medicine specialists, Angela Silber, MD, and Geetha Rajendran, MD, would partially deliver Wild’s baby while keeping the placenta and umbilical cord attached. Wild would act as her baby’s heart-lung machine, preserving a critical physical connection that kept him alive.

Then, pediatric cardiac surgeon Sameh Said, MD, would operate on the baby’s heart to improve blood flow before being fully delivered.

“When the doctors explained the procedure and how it would allow my baby to stay connected to me while they worked on his heart, I felt a glimmer of hope,” Wild says. “I just kept telling myself that I had to play the cards I was dealt. And I trusted my care team.”

Wild’s miracle baby, Luciano Reynaga, III, was born at 38 weeks, weighing 8 lbs. 1 oz. Everything went according to plan, making this the first successful procedure of its kind in medical history. Less than 24 hours after birth, Dr. Said performed a second surgery to convert the baby’s right ventricle into a pumping chamber.

“Being a mom is wonderful,” Wild says. “I was so scared to give birth because I didn’t know what was going to happen, but the first time I got to hold my son was magical. He’s so cute.”

Baby Luciano will need additional surgeries in the future to keep his heart working well, but Dr. Said is optimistic Luciano will have a good quality of life.

Wild’s journey is one of resilience, hope and love—showcasing not only the incredible advances in medical science but the boundless strength of a mother’s heart. As she looks forward to every milestone their family will share, she knows that they’ve faced one of life’s greatest challenges together, and it has made their bond unbreakable.

If your child has a heart condition or needs heart surgery, you’ll want a team of doctors who can provide the most advanced care close to home.  The pediatric cardiology team at WMCHealth’s Maria Fareri Children’s Hospital provides full-spectrum cardiac care for patients from infants through young adulthood. We even provide fetal care.

Your child’s heart can’t wait, and neither should you. Call to make an appointment for your child today: 914.909.6900.