Meet Sammy, a little boy whose fight for life began before he even took his first breath. Born with multiple complex heart conditions, including Hypoplastic Left Heart Syndrome (HLHS), Double Outlet Right Ventricle (DORV), asplenia, and aural atresia, Sammy’s journey was set to be filled with challenges from the very start.
But through his bravery, the unwavering support of his family, and the incredible care from medical professionals, Sammy has proven that even the toughest hearts can fight their way through adversity.
His story began at 20 weeks into his mother’s pregnancy when a routine ultrasound revealed that Sammy’s heart wasn’t developing normally. His mom, who had been eagerly anticipating the arrival of her child, was faced with the reality of his condition. While the diagnosis was difficult to hear, they were grateful for the early detection, which gave them time to prepare for what lay ahead.
After the diagnosis, Sammy’s family had to travel back and forth for additional tests throughout 2022. Every visit to the hospital felt like a step closer to the birth of their son, and when Sammy arrived in January 2023, he surprised everyone by being born weighing 9 pounds. It was an unexpected relief to have a healthy-sized baby, even though his heart was working against him from the start.
The first stretch of Sammy’s life was filled with uncertainty. He spent 64 days inpatient, waiting for the surgeries that would give him a fighting chance. Every day was an emotional rollercoaster for his family, but they were determined to stay strong and hopeful. They were able to rely on their support system, including Hands of Hope, a group that checked in on Sammy twice a week to provide extra care and help navigate the highs and lows of the interstage period.
Despite all the challenges, Sammy continued to grow, defying the odds and thriving in ways that his parents had hoped for. It wasn’t long before they were back at the Medical University of South Carolina (MUSC) for Sammy’s Glenn procedure.
That stay, though stressful, lasted only two weeks, and after that, Sammy’s strength and determination were tested yet again with the Fontan surgery. The family remained inpatient for another 11 days while Sammy recovered, but with each passing day, they saw the miracle unfolding before them.
Today, Sammy is nearly 3 years old and doing great. He’s a wild child with an infectious personality, and he loves spending time with his big sister and watching his favorite show, Bluey. He’s come a long way from his early days in the NICU, and his family feels incredibly lucky to see him growing stronger and healthier each day.
Sammy’s mom reflects on one of the most profound moments during his Fontan surgery journey. As the family waited anxiously for updates, they were contacted by Dossie, a member of the medical team. She came up to the heart floor and spent several hours talking to them, offering words of comfort and hope. For Sammy’s mom, that conversation felt like speaking to a good friend. It was during that time that she truly felt the power of faith, support, and community.
Sammy’s journey has been one of resilience, hope, and unwavering faith. The incredible medical team at MUSC and the support of his family have made all the difference in his fight for life. Sammy has shown everyone what it means to be a true warrior, and his story serves as a beacon of hope for others facing similar challenges. Through it all, his parents have remained steadfast, relying on their faith and the love they have for their son to get through each hurdle.
Today, Sammy is not just surviving—he is thriving. His spirit and vitality shine through in everything he does. He may be wild, but his energy and zest for life are nothing short of miraculous. His journey continues to unfold, and the Moss family knows that with faith, hope, and support, Sammy’s future is bright.