Our son, Oliver (Ollie) Fox Payton, was diagnosed with Hypoplastic Left Heart Syndrome (HLHS) at 36 weeks gestation—a rare and severe congenital heart defect where the left side of the heart is underdeveloped and cannot effectively pump blood to the body. It was heartbreaking news for us as first-time parents, but from the moment of his birth, Ollie has shown us nothing but strength, resilience, and fight.

With the help of an incredible team at St. Joseph’s Children’s Hospital, we made a plan to give Ollie the best chance at life. He was delivered on April 14, 2025, via C-section in a specialized cardiac OR, where a team stood ready to perform an emergency procedure. But in a powerful answer to prayer, Ollie didn’t need it. His heart was stable enough without immediate intervention. He was admitted to the the pediatric cardiac ICU and supported with medication as we prepared for the expected first-stage heart surgery for HLHS – the Norwood procedure.

However, after being transferred to UF Health Shands for further evaluation, Ollie’s medical team determined that he wasn’t a strong candidate for the traditional three-surgery path that most HLHS kids take. Instead, they made the difficult but crucial decision to list him for a heart transplant.

This is a path no parent hopes for, as it means another family must endure unimaginable loss in order to give Ollie the gift of life. Even so, we trusted that this was the best and most hopeful course for him—one that offered the possibility of a full and joyful life beyond the limitations of his diagnosis.

In the meantime, Ollie underwent a complex “hybrid VAD” procedure on May 7th. This surgery combined elements of the Norwood with the placement of a Ventricular Assist Device (VAD)—a type of external heart—to keep him stable and strong while we waited. True to form, Ollie powered through the procedure and continued recovering like the little champion he is, showing remarkable determination throughout an incredibly demanding process.

In the fall of 2025, Ollie received the heart we had been waiting and praying for. We remain humbled by the family whose grief became a gift, and we pray God’s comfort over them often. His new heart has been strong, and has already brought glimpses of a brighter, freer future.

The road since transplant has not been simple or linear. Ollie has navigated respiratory challenges and required additional interventions, such as a diaphragm plication, to support his healing. Recently he has shown some promising steps forward, though we know progress can shift day to day. His courage and sweetness through it all continue to inspire us.

We believe with all our hearts that God is walking with us through this journey. From the timing of Ollie’s diagnosis, to the doors that have opened, to the moments of unexpected mercy, we have seen His hand guiding every step. This is not the path we imagined, but we know He is working all things together for Ollie’s good—and we are trusting Him every day.

Thank you for following our journey, for praying with us, and for donating to COTA for Ollie Fox. Your support helps us give our boy the best chance at a full, joyful, and abundant life.