We Stand For Care

Not long after Victoria and Justin Nelson became overjoyed first-time parents, they received the most terrifying news. The Nelson’s had known since before her birth that daughter Moriah would be born with a complex congenital heart defect. But now, when Moriah was just a few months old, doctors at their Southern California hospital told them her condition was inoperable.  The Nelson’s wanted BETTER MEDICINE and they sought to FIND ANSWERS.

They eventually found references to Lucile Packard Children’s Hospital and pediatric cardiothoracic surgeon Frank Hanley, MD, a pioneer of an innovative surgical procedure called unifocalization. After review, Dr. Hanley agreed that Moriah was a good candidate, and in November 2008 the Nelsons made the drive up to Palo Alto.

Though Moriah’s heart defect had been successfully repaired, her situation became complex and a variety of separate issues necessitated a stay at the hospital’s Cardiovascular Intensive Care Unit (CVICU). Moriah spent an astonishing eleven months there.

It was only at Packard Children’s, the Nelsons say that they felt they received COMPASSIONATE CARE. “But at Packard they were so concerned about Moriah that they really listened to us when we’d describe what was going on. And that ended up MAKING A BIG DIFFERENCE,” he says.

In October 2009 she was moved into the Children’s Recovery Center in Campbell, CA, where today she receives ventilator therapy to help her lungs work properly. “You’re embracing every little moment… And we’re just so thankful for the care she’s gotten, and that she’s progressing well,” Justin said.

For more information about Moriah’s condition and her progress, click here.