Israel’s story: A journey of hope and triumph after immense loss

In 2017, Veronica and Juan Ramon Vargas embarked on a journey of love and commitment after exchanging their marriage vows. They soon discovered they were expecting their first child, which filled their hearts with more joy than they could imagine. Eager to ensure the best possible care, Veronica decided to go to a large medical center outside her hometown of Jasper, Texas, for her prenatal appointments.

The couple’s excitement, however, soon turned into worry when Veronica learned that her blood platelet count was low. Although her care team told her not to be overly concerned, a routine ultrasound revealed heartbreaking news: their baby boy had no heartbeat. The couple was devastated; already, they had imagined a future with their baby son, and now they had to find the strength to process their profound loss. 

Unfortunately, life had even more tests in store for Veronica and Juan. In 2018, they found themselves eagerly expecting another son. Once again, Veronica was told her blood platelet count was low, and tragically, they experienced another loss. This time, their baby boy passed away at six months gestation, and the couple had to suffer the unbearable pain of burying their child. Adding to their challenges, Veronica faced the additional complication of placenta previa, which necessitated a C-section. The emotional and physical toll on her was immense.

Seeking solace and new beginnings, Veronica and Juan decided to take a leap of faith and embrace new job opportunities in Louisiana, where Juan's sister resided. Leaving behind the familiar comfort of her hometown, Veronica embarked on a bittersweet adventure with Juan.

Slowly, life began to show signs of healing as Veronica found work at a daycare, and Juan secured employment. In 2020, Veronica discovered once again that she was pregnant, but miscarried shortly after. Determined to find answers and support, Veronica and Juan sought the counsel of a couple they knew who had faced similar struggles. This led them to a compassionate high-risk doctor, Dr. Tabitha Quebedeaux, who offered guidance and worked to address Veronica's low blood platelet issue.

Armed with newfound hope and under Dr. Tabitha Quebedeaux’s attentive care, Veronica became pregnant for the fourth time in February 2022. Fear and anxiety gripped her, as she navigated the early stages of the pregnancy, praying for a miracle. She continued with regular appointments, and slowly began to feel more confident as time passed.

“Dr. Tabitha was so reassuring, she would tell me to let her worry about my pregnancy, and that I needed to just enjoy it,” Veronica recalled.

This fourth pregnancy, however, was not without its challenges. Veronica developed gestational diabetes, adding a new layer of complexity to her care, and there was suspicion he may have a heart condition. She was referred to Dr. Shannon Powell, a pediatric and fetal cardiologist at Children’s Hospital New Orleans, for further monitoring. By the time she reached 37 weeks’ gestation, her doctors advised her that the safest option was to deliver.

And so, on September 22, 2022, Israel Vargas was born at a local hospital in Marrero, LA, measuring 19 inches and weighing 7 pounds and 2 ounces. Veronica and Juan named him Israel, after their first son they lost, honoring his memory and the love that would forever bind their family together.

Although his birth was a joyous occasion, he was transferred to Children’s Hospital New Orleans for a full examination. There, Dr. Powell confirmed that Israel had two congenital heart conditions, known as atrial septal defect and a ventricular septal defect.

Both atrial septal defect (ASD) and ventricular septal defect (VSD) are congenital heart defects that involve abnormal openings in the septum, which is the wall that separates the chambers of the heart. An atrial septal defect is a condition where there is an abnormal opening between the two upper chambers of the heart, called the atria.

“An ASD allows excessive blood to pass from the left atrium to the right atrium in Israel’s case,” Dr. Powell explained. “This can strain the right side of the heart and lead to increased blood flow to the lungs, which causes the heart to work harder and can lead to long-term damage.”

A ventricular septal defect is like ASD, but it is characterized by a hole in the septum that separates the two lower chambers of the heart, called the ventricles, with the same result of an inefficient increase of flow to the lungs and the potential for creating volume overload in the left heart. Treatment for ASD and VSD depends on the size, location, and symptoms. Small defects may not require treatment and can close on their own, but larger defects, including those that cause significant symptoms, may need surgical repair.

“The news hit me like bucket of ice-cold water,” Veronica recalled. “After everything we’d been through, I thought we had finally delivered a healthy baby boy, just to learn he had a congenital heart condition.”

At first, Dr. Powell advised that Israel be monitored cautiously. But by the time he reached four months old, it was clear he would need surgical intervention.

“He simply wasn’t eating enough or growing enough,” Veronica said. “We wanted to avoid surgery so badly, but it was clear he would need it.”

The surgery was scheduled for January 26, 2023. When Veronica and Juan arrived that day, both were overwhelmed with fear.

“I remember telling the medical team, ‘I’m giving you my life—I’m giving you my everything,’” Veronica said, when they took Israel back to surgery.

The surgery was performed by Dr. Frank Pigula, Chief of Pediatric Cardiothoracic Surgery and Co-Director of the Heart Center at Children’s Hospital New Orleans. Throughout the procedure, Veronica received regular messages, letting her know the status of the surgery and how her baby was doing.

Finally, Dr. Pigula emerged from the operating room and approached them in the waiting room, delivering the news they had been praying for—the surgery was a success.

“I’ve never felt so relieved,” Veronica said. “I’m so thankful for Dr. Powell and Dr. Pigula, and for all the amazing care we received at Children’s Hospital New Orleans.”

After a few days recovering at Children’s Hospital New Orleans, Israel was able to go home. The surgery was not only successful, but it brought about a transformation in their young baby Veronica could never have imagined.

“He just started thriving,” she said. “He began finishing bottles and steadily gained weight, and his energy is so much better.”

Veronica added that through all the challenges Israel faced, he never lost his infectious smile. She affectionately refers to him as her Samson, drawing a parallel to the biblical figure known for his strength and reverence for God.

Today, Israel no longer needs heart medication, and he continues to show remarkable progress. As for Veronica, she honors the past but looks to the future, having faith that her family’s story will continue to be one of triumph over adversity.

“Our story is one of love and resilience, and we are grateful to everyone who helped us along the way,” Veronica said.

To learn more about the Heart Center at Children’s Hospital New Orleans, please visit: https://www.chnola.org/our-services/heart-center/