At 20 weeks into her pregnancy, Courtney received news that would forever change the course of her family’s life. During a routine ultrasound, the doctors informed her that there was something wrong with her baby’s heart.
A week later, Matty, their fourth child, was diagnosed with tetralogy of Fallot (ToF), a congenital heart defect that can lead to severe complications if left untreated. For Courtney and her family, the news was overwhelming. They had already been through the excitement and nerves that come with pregnancy, but this was something new and entirely unexpected.
Matty’s journey began in a way no one could have predicted, and yet, it would reveal the strength and resilience of a little boy who, against all odds, would prove to be nothing short of remarkable.
The diagnosis of tetralogy of Fallot was a heavy blow, but Courtney and her partner knew that they had to stay strong and prepared for whatever lay ahead. At first, it was difficult to fully grasp the implications of ToF.
The condition involves four heart defects, which together prevent the heart from pumping blood efficiently to the rest of the body. The doctors explained that Matty would likely need surgery in the first year of his life, and while they were optimistic that it could be repaired, it was still a frightening reality.
What followed was a whirlwind of medical appointments, scans, and decisions. Fortunately, the condition had been detected early, which gave the family precious time to learn everything they could about ToF and prepare for Matty’s birth.
When Matty finally arrived, the delivery was relatively normal, but Courtney’s heart ached as she knew that the first steps of his life would be filled with uncertainty. Despite the challenges ahead, there was hope. Their baby boy was a fighter, and Courtney could already feel the strength within him.
Matty spent his first 24 hours in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU), but it was a testament to his strength that, just a day later, he was released. He was feeding well, gaining weight, and hitting all of his developmental milestones.
For the first few months, it was easy to forget that Matty had a congenital heart defect. He was thriving, and the family tried to focus on the joy he brought to their lives rather than the looming uncertainty about his heart.
However, as the months passed, small signs began to appear that something was not quite right. At eight months old, Matty started to tire easily. He looked pale and had trouble keeping his oxygen levels up, dipping below 80%, a concerning drop from the usual high 90s he had maintained.
These were troubling signs, and Courtney and her partner knew that it was time for the next step in Matty’s journey. The family was devastated to learn that the hospital in Glasgow, where Matty was receiving care, had stopped performing surgeries for reasons beyond their control. It was a waiting game to see when they would be able to continue his treatment.
In December 2025, when Matty was just 10 months old, he had his first TET spell, a cyanotic episode where his oxygen levels dropped rapidly. It was terrifying to watch. Matty’s skin turned a deep blue as he struggled to breathe, and it was a reminder of how fragile his health was.
His parents rushed him to the hospital, and he was admitted to the cardiac ward. The doctors prescribed propranolol, a medication that helped stabilize his condition, and after a few more episodes, they were finally able to arrange for surgery. Matty’s case was handed over to Leicester Royal Infirmary, who agreed to take on his surgery.
By the time surgery was scheduled, it had been a long, emotional journey, and the family had a mix of fear and hope as they prepared for the surgery. On March 2nd, 2026, they arrived at the hospital early in the morning, and Matty was taken to the cath lab. It was one of the hardest moments in their lives as parents, knowing that their little boy was going under the knife. The surgery would last for hours, and they could only wait and pray.
Five long hours later, they received the news they had been waiting for: the surgery was a success. Courtney and her partner could barely contain their tears. Finally, their baby boy would have a chance at a life without the constant worry of his heart failing him. They were allowed to see Matty just two hours after surgery, and although it was a bittersweet moment, they were relieved to see him.
He was hooked up to numerous machines, with wires, lines, and cannulas everywhere. There was a sense of helplessness as they looked at their child in this vulnerable state, but they were also grateful to see him alive, with the hope that this surgery would change his future.
The first few days after surgery were incredibly challenging. Matty developed junctional ectopic tachycardia (JET), an abnormal heart rhythm that required a pacemaker and several medications to stabilize. It was a painful reminder of the complexity of his condition and the toll that surgery could take on such a small body. But despite these complications, Matty showed incredible resilience. His heart rhythm gradually returned to normal, and his doctors were confident that he was on the road to recovery.
Matty also developed a condition called chylothorax, where fluid leaked into the space around his lungs. This added yet another challenge to his recovery, but with the help of a special diet and careful monitoring, he began to improve.
Matty’s care team continued to be an incredible support system for Courtney and her family, always ready to explain, reassure, and guide them through the ups and downs of Matty’s recovery.
Twelve days after his surgery, once Matty was stable enough, he was transferred back to Glasgow for further monitoring and recovery. The Skycare repatriation team handled the transfer with the utmost care, and Matty was flown back in an air ambulance to the familiar surroundings of his home hospital.
The team that cared for him at Leicester had done an incredible job, and the family couldn’t thank them enough for their expertise and kindness.
Upon returning to Glasgow, Matty continued to improve. The doctors removed his drains, and he was able to move around more and enjoy more cuddles from his parents. He had some fluid around his heart, but it was normal, and soon the leaking subsided. After 16 days in the hospital, Matty was finally discharged. It had been a long, emotional recovery, but Courtney and her partner were overjoyed to take their son home, knowing that he was now on the road to a much healthier future.
For Courtney, this journey has been both harrowing and inspiring. Matty’s story has not been easy, but it is one filled with hope, strength, and the unwavering determination of a mother who would do anything for her child. As Matty continues to grow and thrive, Courtney is excited to see where life will take him. She is proud of the little boy who has overcome so much and is now looking forward to a future that is full of possibilities.
Matty’s journey with tetralogy of Fallot is not unique, but every child’s story is different. For Courtney, reading other parents’ experiences was incredibly helpful, and she hopes that sharing Matty’s story might offer some comfort to those going through similar struggles. No matter what challenges lie ahead, Matty’s heart is now fixed, and that is a gift that Courtney will forever treasure.