Born 12/18/2012 MUSC Charleston. Tanner was born with a hypoplastic left heart, and immediately placed in PICU to drain the fluid in his lungs.
At seven days old, he had his first open heart surgery procedure performed (the Norwood) to treat heart problems by directly accessing the heart through an opening in the chest.
The surgeon held Tanner’s heart in his hand for three minutes.
The actions that the surgeons took were a success, while Tanner and his family remained in MUSC for the following month.
Five months later, Tanner’s second surgery called the “Glen” was completed on his heart. Tanner was a real trooper and was home with his family one week later.
Although born with major heart complications, Tanner and his family went on to recover and pursue further treatment and diagnosis.
Two more years later, his third surgery “The fontan” has yet to be successful in maintaining the proper pressure in his heart. During this time he and his family were at MUSC for over another month.
Favorite foods: Pizza, cheetos, doritos, and steak.
Currently in 5th grade (home schooled) on a permanent IV line for his medications.
At this time, Tanner is expected to receive a full heart transplant at MUSC, making the list June 1st, 2023. Tanner’s family is going to need to be near the hospital for up to 3 months, and currently live 4 hours away.
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.