Debron’s Journey: A Story of Faith, Strength, and Resilience

“The Lord is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? The Lord is the strength of my life; of whom shall I be afraid?” – Psalm 27:1

At birth, Debron was diagnosed with a complex congenital heart defect known as single ventricle with double inlet left ventricle (DILV). Doctors informed us that he would require a series of three open-heart surgeries to manage the condition.

Debron’s heart journey began at just nine days old with his first surgery—a pulmonary artery banding procedure to restrict blood flow and protect his lungs. Once he gained strength, he underwent his second surgery, the Glenn Shunt, which rerouted blood flow from the upper body directly to the lungs, bypassing the heart. Not long after, we received an unexpected call: Debron needed an additional surgery to correct a complication with the Glenn Shunt. This became his third open-heart surgery. His final planned procedure, the Fontan, was performed to redirect blood flow from the lower body to the lungs, helping to ease the burden on his single functioning ventricle. These four major surgeries took place during the first five years of his life.

Despite these challenges, Debron began his elementary school years with a spirit full of adventure and perseverance, earning several academic awards. However, in 2012, at just eight years old, Debron was rushed to the emergency room due to abdominal swelling. He was diagnosed with Protein-Losing Enteropathy (PLE)—a rare condition where the body loses essential proteins through the gastrointestinal tract, leading to dangerously low protein levels. This diagnosis led to numerous hospital stays and years of specialized treatment. Eventually, doctors concluded that a heart transplant would be the only long-term solution.

Over time, the strain from PLE began to affect Debron’s liver. In December 2023, his health declined significantly, and doctors discovered multiple lesions on his liver. It became clear that in addition to a new heart, Debron would also need a liver transplant.

We began the transplant evaluation process, but due to the complexity of his case, our home hospital recommended a second opinion. In August 2024, we traveled to Chicago to visit Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children’s Hospital for a pre-transplant assessment. During our stay at the Ronald McDonald House, we met the dedicated team that would be involved in Debron’s care. In October, we received the call that Lurie’s team had accepted his case and would begin preparing for a combined heart and liver transplant.

Plans were made to return to Chicago on October 16, 2024. However, on September 20, Debron’s health deteriorated. His lungs filled with fluid, requiring the insertion of a chest tube. Given the urgency, his home medical team coordinated with Lurie’s cardiac team, and Debron was transported by medical flight to Chicago to begin the next chapter of his journey.

Throughout all of this, Debron has never complained. He is known for his radiant smile and unwavering positivity. Despite the physical toll, his academic performance has remained exceptional through elementary, middle, and now high school.

Although the path ahead is uncertain, we continue to walk in faith—trusting God’s plan and drawing strength from hope, love, and the overwhelming support of those around us.

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.

Lying in a hospital bed, connected to tubes and a breathing machine, DeBron’s strength speaks louder than words. Behind the machines is a young man shaped by love, courage, and the powerful influence of mentors who taught him to stand tall—even when he must now fight lying down. By his side are his mom, family, and friends, whose unwavering love and prayers lift him daily. Though his journey has taken a hard turn, the lessons of resilience, purpose, and manhood still live within him—carried forward by the strength of his village.