Volume 16, Shirt 10: "Stronger Than the Storm"

Joey just turned 15 months old and is a happy little member of the Bills Mafia. However, in those 15 months, Joey has faced and overcome more than some do in 15 years. During the 20th week of his pregnancy, his parents were referred to a pediatric cardiologist where it was determined that Joey had a condition known as Tetrology of Fallot, which means he had four different issues with his heart. They were told that he would need open heart surgery.

Joey was born on September 19th 2023. Due to his heart condition, small size, feeding difficulties, fluctuation in blood sugar, etc. he was admitted to the NICU at Sisters Hospital for 6 days. While in the NICU Joey was monitored by his cardiologist Dr. Joseph Orie. It was determined that Joey would wait until 3-4 months to receive heart surgery so that he was as big and strong as possible. On Janurary 30th 2024, Joey’s heart was repaired by Dr. George Alfieris at Strong Memorial/Golisano Children’s Hospital in Rochester NY.

While in the NICU, we learned that Joey had two major anomalies (a congenital heart defect and suspected hearing loss). Due to this, he was referred for genetic testing. After blood work was completed, it was determined that Joey has missing information on his 6q chromosome, specifically bands 16.3-21. In Joey’s case this has impacted his heart (Tetralogy of Fallot), immune system (hospitalized for RSV and Metapneumovirus), hearing (mild to moderate loss), eyes (multiple procedures to open his tear ducts), eating (working on eating puree), fine motor (grasping toys, holding utensils, etc.), gross motor (delayed sitting, crawling, standing, walking), speech/language, etc. Additionally, Joey sees a gastroenterologist for issues with digestion and chronic constipation.

Funds raised through sales of this design will help support Joey and his family with ongoing medical needs, current and future adaptive equipment (sneakers, physical supports, bed, etc.), frequent specialist appointments, current and future specialty programs, etc.

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