STAY STRONG STOCKTON
Stockton Todd Kuhl was born on June 6th, 2022 at 3:58 PM, weighing 7 pounds and 8 ounces and measuring 20.25 inches long.
Stockton was born with multiple congenital heart defects. These defects include congenitally corrected transposed great arteries, as well as large atrial and septal defects. This strong boy has already had multiple surgeries and will need several more before his heart is able to function normally. He is so resilient and quick to charm everyone he meets with his infectious smile.
Although he has spent over half of his life within the walls of a hospital, he is still the happiest of babies. We continue to pray for successful future surgeries and a full repair of Stockton’s heart. The HEART OF STOCKTON is a strong one and we are amazed at his strength and bravery.
STOCKTON'S DIAGNOSIS —
Double Outlet Right Ventricle with Pulmonary Atresia and a Large Ventricular Septal Defect In Double outlet right ventricle (DORV), the pulmonary artery and the aorta — the heart’s two major arteries — both connect to the right ventricle. In a normal heart, the pulmonary artery connects to the right ventricle, and the aorta connects to the left ventricle. DORV creates a problem because the right ventricle carries oxygen-poor blood, which then gets circulated in the body.
Another heart condition, called a ventricular septal defect (VSD), always occurs with DORV. This is a hole in the tissue wall (septum) that normally separates the right and left ventricles. The VSD allows oxygen-rich blood to pass from the left ventricle to the aorta and pulmonary artery. But even with this added oxygen, the body may still not get enough, causing the heart to work harder.
SURGICAL PLANS —
Stockton's future surgical plans will include a full heart repair coming up in late September through October at Lucile Packard Children's Hospital Stanford in Palo Alto, CA.
Before the open-heart surgery, Stockton will most likely also have a Cath Lab procedure that consists of checking heart pressures and other measurements, specifically his left pulmonary artery (which hasn't grown), to ensure he is good to go for his major upcoming surgery.
Last October, Stockton successfully recovered from the Glenn procedure, which is a type of open-heart surgery that was done at Phoenix Children's Hospital (PCH) in Phoenix, AZ.
The goals are to: Make blood from the upper part of the body (the head, neck, and arms) go directly to the lungs. This lets the blood pick up oxygen without passing through the heart.
Lucile Packard Children's Hospital Stanford (LPCH) — Palo Alto, CA
Stockton's next chapter of his cardiac heart surgery journey will take place in Palo Alto, California at Stanford University's campus, specifically at Lucile Packard Children's Hospital Stanford. Near the end of September 2023, Stockton had a Bronchoscopy and Cath Lab procedure requiring a multiple-day visit and stay at the children's hospital ICU. Stockton's next visit will be in the first two weeks of October for his next open-heart surgery with the goal of having a full heart repair.
Opened in 1991, LPCH is the heart and soul of Stanford Children's Health. Nationally ranked and internationally recognized, LPCH's 311-bed hospital is devoted entirely to pediatrics and obstetrics. Their division is very active in treating a variety of patients at LPCH, including cardiac patients like Stockton.
Phoenix Children's Hospital (PCH) — Phoenix, AZ
After Stockton was born at St. Joseph's Hospital and Medical Center, he was transferred to Phoenix Children's Hospital (PCH), located in Phoenix, Arizona.
Phoenix Children’s has provided hope, healing & the best healthcare for kids since 1983.
PCH provides inpatient, outpatient, trauma & emergency care across over 75 subspecialties. Nationally Ranked. Nationally Recognized. #1 In Arizona. U.S. News & World Report.
Thank You 💙
Thank you all for following our journey with us and for all your prayers & support. We are forever grateful.
Love, Aaron & Lindsay Kuhl
Contact Us
DONATE TO SUPPORT DIRECTLY —
To help with Medical Bills & Other Expenses, donate to “Stockton’s Heart Fund.” Any contribution will tremendously help this family get through this trying time. Please see ways to donate directly below:
Venmo: @lindsaykuhl1
