Heart Mom to a Son with VACTERL Association

Aubrey Byrnes is a rare mom - she's the mother of Wyatt Nathan Arthur Byrnes, aged 5, and Colton Paul Byrnes, aged 4. Wyatt was born 13 weeks premature and had a rough medical journey. Colton, AKA Superman without a Cape, was born with VACTERL Association, a disorder that affects many body systems. VACTERL stands for vertebral defects, anal atresia, cardiac defects, tracheo-esophageal fistula, renal anomalies, and limb abnormalities. As part of his condition, Colton has multiple CHDs including truncus arteriosus, ventricular septal defect, atrial septal defect, pulmonary stenosis, and right aortic arch. During his short life Colton has had 52 procedures, including 6 heart catheterizations and 4 open-heart surgeries. Aubrey is married to Rick and together they have a unique, rare outlook on life which has helped them stay together. Aubrey studied American Sign Language Interpreting at Augustana University and works as a freelance interpreter/translator.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/heart-to-heart-with-anna--1256958/support.