Ashley Boyea is no stranger to the trials and tribulations that come with cardiac issues. When Ashley was in her 20s, she started experiencing shortness of breath, thinking her asthma was flaring up. However, she got checked out, and her doctor diagnosed her with sick sinus syndrome, which is a condition that disrupts the function of the sinus node leading to abnormal heart rhythms. By age 25, Ashley underwent two cardiac ablations.
“I wanted to be able to enjoy my wedding,” said Ashley, thinking of the time after her ablations. Her symptoms had continued, but she and her now-husband were about to get married. Just before the wedding, doctors decided to give Ashley a pacemaker. The procedure helped, and Ashley was able to not only enjoy her wedding but go on to have three children and live a happy, active life!
When Ashley was pregnant with her first son, Gabriel, her OB-GYN referred her to a specialist, and she had a feeling something was not right. Once Ashley and her husband, Benjamin, went to their appointment, they were shocked to find out their son had transposition of the great vessels, which is a congenital heart defect in which the aorta and pulmonary artery are switched in the heart. Gabriel would have to undergo arterial switch surgery as a newborn.
Once Ashley and Benjamin were able to process Gabriel’s diagnosis, they prepared themselves for the birth of their son. “We were so lucky to find out Gabriel’s diagnosis prior to birth because it made everything easier,” Ashley said, as they were able to focus on next steps to ensure their baby boy was healthy and strong.
When Gabriel was born, he spent the first few days of his life in the NICU, awaiting his lifesaving surgery. Post-surgery, Gabriel made a full recovery, and he was a healthy baby. Ashley went on to have two more baby boys with no complications!
Now, 8-years-old, Gabriel is a burst of energy and full of life. He will be seen regularly by a cardiologist for the rest of his life, but he is healthy. Gabriel loves the outdoors, playing soccer and basketball, and playing with his two younger brothers! Gabriel also has a knack for all things space and building Legos.
Ashley and Benjamin joined the Vermont Cardiac Kids to give their son an outlet to meet other kids with special hearts, but also to help them meet other parents who went through a similar experience. The Cardiac Kids have frequent meet ups, outings and the group creates a network of families that support one another.
Ashley and her son have a bond like no other. They are both survivors, and they will both go on to live full, beautiful lives. The American Heart Association will continue to be a relentless force for longer, healthier lives like Ashley and Gabriel Boyea.