COTA for Ollie Strong

Our Story

January 26, 2022, Ollie entered this world weighing 4lbs 10oz.

—He is such a strong handsome little boy.

During my pregnancy we weren’t sure what to expect, but we knew this journey would challenge us like no other. At 20 weeks we found out Ollie had one ventricle and possibly one atrium. My world changed within seconds. As an established nurse who specializes in cardiology, I knew the severity of Ollie’s complications.
Ollie entered this world at 37 weeks.

—as if nothing was wrong with that little heart of his.

Ollie was diagnosed with hypoplastic left heart syndrome – a congenital heart defect many people aren’t aware of.
I will explain: In a fully developed heart you have two atriums; one on the left and one on the right. These are the top two chambers. We also have two more chambers at the bottom of the heart called ventricles. The main function of our heart is to provide the body with oxygenated blood. The right side of the heart is the chamber for blood without oxygen; it usually pumps blood to the lungs that provide oxygen then flows back to the heart but to the left side which then provides blood to the body. Ollie has a special heart; his left side never fully developed. His left atrium and ventricle are so small that they don’t function properly.
The primary treatment options to HLHS would require a 3-part open heart surgery. Due to Ollie’s heart not being strong enough to withstand surgery, he has been placed on a transplant list.
Mighty Ollie is 12 weeks old now and has yet to come home. Due to restrictions, he’s only met some of his family. As imagined this journey hasn’t been easy for us and living 2 hours away from the hospital adds more strain.
As parents we make many sacrifices for the ones we love.
—While caring for Ollie’s 2 older brothers and having many life responsibilities I have been required to return to work.
I currently travel once a week and weekends to spend quality time with Ollie. I’d love to stay at the hospital more, but I unfortunately cannot at this time.
Even though this journey has been challenging we are so thankful to God and all the support we’ve received.
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Keep us in your thoughts & prayers.

Thank you for all the love and support, Javion and family

The Children’s Organ Transplant Association (COTA) helps children and young adults who need a life-saving transplant by providing fundraising assistance and family support. COTA is the nation’s only fundraising organization solely dedicated to raising life-saving dollars in honor of transplant-needy children and young adults. 100% of each contribution made to COTA in honor of our patients helps meet transplant-related expenses. COTA’s services are free to our families, and gifts to COTA are tax deductible to the fullest extent of the law.