Meet Koa, a feisty and spirited 2-year-old boy who embodies the meaning of his name—warrior. Born on March 25, 2023, in Rochester, MN, Koa’s journey began with an incredible challenge.
He was born with half a heart—diagnosed with hypoplastic right heart syndrome and pulmonary atresia. These rare and complex congenital heart defects meant that Koa’s heart was not fully formed, and from the moment of his birth, his family knew their little warrior would face a long and difficult road ahead.
From the very beginning, Koa’s life was a testament to his strength and the incredible determination of his medical team. At just two days old, Koa underwent his first procedure: a stent placement in his PDA (patent ductus arteriosus) to help improve blood flow. Unfortunately, this procedure didn’t go as planned.
The stent failed and, to everyone’s surprise, it migrated into his right pulmonary artery—a complication never before seen at Mayo Clinic. Koa’s care team was stunned, but they didn’t give up. Instead, they worked together to come up with a new plan to help their little fighter.
Determined to give Koa the best chance, the medical team decided that it would be safest to attempt another stent placement. At just five days old, Koa returned to the cath lab for the second attempt.
This time, the procedure was successful. The doctors decided to leave the previous stent in place and focused on ensuring that Koa’s heart could function as best as possible with the new stent in his PDA. After two long weeks in the NICU, Koa finally got to go home with his family—a long-awaited and emotional moment.
But Koa’s journey wasn’t over yet. At just five months old, Koa’s heart faced another obstacle. The stent in his PDA began to narrow, and Koa’s oxygen levels began to drop dangerously low. His normal oxygen saturation levels ranged between 75% and 85%, but by the time he was flown back to Rochester, his oxygen had plummeted to just 45%.
His medical team knew they needed to act fast. The decision was made to balloon open his PDA again, a critical step to improve blood flow and prevent further complications. Despite one complication during the procedure, Koa’s care team successfully managed to balloon open his PDA and stabilize his condition.
Following this procedure, Koa’s doctors decided that it was best for him to remain inpatient until he could undergo his next major surgery—the Glenn procedure. On October 6, 2023, at just seven months old, Koa was handed off to the surgical team for his first open-heart surgery.
It was a nerve-wracking moment for Koa’s family, but they held onto hope, knowing that their little warrior had already shown so much strength and determination. The surgery was successful, and after a few weeks of recovery, Koa was finally able to return home with his family.
Once home, Koa’s personality truly began to shine. Despite all the challenges he had faced in his short life, he loved playing outside, kicking balls around, and zooming trucks across the floor. His laughter filled their home as he made animal noises, a constant reminder of the joy he brought to everyone around him.
His family marveled at his resilience—how, despite his heart condition, Koa never let it define him. He was determined to play, explore, and live his life just like any other toddler.
Koa’s journey has not been without its challenges, but with each step, he has shown that he is a warrior, just as his name suggests. His courage, paired with the unwavering support of his family and medical team, has carried him through each surgery, procedure, and setback. His parents are incredibly grateful for every moment they have with their son and cherish the little things—like his infectious laugh, the way he loves to play, and the joy he brings to everyone he meets.
As Koa grows, his family is prepared for the next chapter in his heart journey. In the next few years, Koa will need another open-heart surgery known as the Fontan procedure, a critical step in the process of repairing his heart. While the future may hold more challenges, Koa’s family knows one thing for certain: their little warrior will continue to fight with the same strength and spirit that he’s shown from the very beginning.
Koa’s story is not just about medical procedures or surgeries—it’s about the incredible will to survive, the power of love, and the unbreakable bond between a family and their child.
Koa’s journey is a reminder of how precious life is, how resilient the human spirit can be, and how even the smallest hearts can fight the biggest battles. As Koa continues to grow, laugh, and play, his family is committed to ensuring that he has every chance to thrive.
Koa’s fight is far from over, but with each day, he proves that even when faced with the greatest challenges, a warrior can rise, and that warrior is unstoppable. His journey is one of hope, strength, and love—and it’s just beginning. As his family looks to the future, they are filled with gratitude, knowing that their son, their warrior, will continue to inspire everyone he meets, no matter the hurdles he faces.
Koa may have been born with a heart that wasn’t fully formed, but his heart is full of courage, determination, and an unwavering will to live. His journey reminds us all that no matter how small we may be, we all have the power to fight with everything we’ve got. Koa is a warrior, and his story is just one chapter in an incredible life filled with love, resilience, and endless possibilities.