A Heart That Refused to Give Up: Lhanze Yohan’s Journey (PDA)
One of the happiest days of our lives was January 7, 2019—the day our son, Lhanze Yohan, was born. He was a bundle of joy, especially for my husband's family, as their first grandchild. His arrival filled our hearts with love and hope, making everything seem perfect.
But life had other plans.
A month later, joy turned to worry when Lhanze caught his first cold. As a first-time mom, my concerns were overwhelming. I immediately took him to a pediatric pulmonary specialist. What started as a simple cold soon escalated into persistent coughing and asthma, leading us on an exhausting journey of frequent doctor visits.
At four months old, a routine check-up brought unsettling news—his pediatrician detected an anomaly in his heartbeat. Further tests, including a chest X-ray and a 2D echocardiogram, confirmed a diagnosis of Congenital Heart Defect (CHD) - Patent Ductus Arteriosus (PDA).
Our cardiologist explained that there was a possibility the PDA could close on its own before he turned one. His words gave us hope, yet uncertainty lingered. From that moment, our lives revolved around prayers and medication, hoping that time would heal his heart.
Then came the pandemic, adding another layer of fear. We lived in constant worry, terrified that hospital visits could expose him to COVID-19. Still, we did everything possible to protect him, clinging to faith that his condition would improve.
Years passed, and though we hoped for healing, Lhanze continued to struggle. On August 4, 2023, our little warrior was rushed to the hospital due to severe asthma and difficulty breathing. His condition worsened—pneumonia set in, exacerbating his PDA. Watching our son fight for every breath was agonizing. I left my job to care for him fully, dedicating myself to his health and fundraising for his medical needs.
We knocked on every possible door for help. Family, friends, strangers, and kind-hearted souls supported us in ways we never imagined. Their generosity fueled our determination.
On September 9, 2023, we flew to Manila for Lhanze’s long-awaited device closure procedure. The procedure was set for September 20, but fate tested us once more—he fell ill, and the surgery had to be postponed. It was a heartbreaking setback, but we refused to lose hope.
Finally, on September 26, 2023, the day arrived. Our brave little fighter was admitted to Delos Santos Medical Center. As he was wheeled into the operating room, all we could do was pray—pray that God would guide the hands of his doctors, pray that our son would come out of surgery stronger than ever.
Hours felt like eternity, but when the doctors finally emerged with news, our hearts soared. The procedure was a success. Our prayers had been answered.
Lhanze’s journey has been one of resilience, love, and unwavering faith. He is living proof that miracles happen, that even the most fragile hearts can grow stronger with determination, prayers, and the kindness of others.
Today, our son stands as a beacon of hope—a reminder that no challenge is insurmountable, and with faith, love, and perseverance, we can conquer even the toughest battles.
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