Mom and Dad make plea for Harmony
Published:Friday | July 28, 2023 | 12:10 AMAshley Anguin/Gleaner Writer
It was a magical moment for new parents Justin Wong and Michaelia Morris when they welcomed their firstborn, beautiful baby girl Harmony, to the world on July 16. But days after her birth, the unthinkable happened as the baby developed complications. After tests and close observation, she was diagnosed by a cardiologist with Hypoplastic Left Heart Syndrome (HLHS), a congenital heart defect.
The high-risk surgery, which needs to be done immediately and is not available in Jamaica or Cuba, costs US$344,320. Based on the severity of the baby’s condition, it is not recommended that she go on a commercial flight, but rather, an air ambulance.
While speaking with The Gleaner, 31-year-old Morris, a school teacher, broke down as she explained how she felt when her baby was diagnosed.
“We are pressed for time; time is of essence right now. I feel frustration, sad, naturally, because I thought I was totally blown off my feet. I thought everything was fine, I am having a normal, healthy baby. As I was sent home, nothing was diagnosed. The test and ultrasound didn’t show anything,” she said.
“I am doing my best to be strong and get the needed help so she can do the surgery she requires because she cannot survive if she doesn’t have surgery,” Morris added as she held back the tears.
Harmony’s father held his composure as he outlined how devastating it was to hear her diagnosis.
“It was an unbelievable situation. It was a beautiful pregnancy going in, no complications. We did all the necessary tests we could have done and would have been asked to do at the beginning. When she was born, we were very happy. When she was discharged on the 17th of July, we took her home ...,” Wong told The Gleaner.
“We took her back because we had some minor observations and brought her back in for a checkup. This is when we found out about her diagnosis. This is where we are at. We are trying to go across all the battles and really trying to stay strong with this,” he added.
It all started when Harmony, who is now 11 days old, was breathing a little too fast at birth. She received oxygen and was placed in her mother’s arms shortly after and was later sent home to start her life.
Harmony was not latching on to her mother’s breasts or bottle properly, and her urine output was very low during her first few days at home. This set off alarm bells for the parents. She was taken in to the Cornwall Regional Hospital (CRH), where she was diagnosed.
Documents seen by The Gleaner show CRH referring the infant overseas for the surgery which the hospital indicated could only be done in the US.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), HLHS is a birth defect that affects normal blood flow through the heart. As the baby develops during pregnancy, the left side of the heart does not form correctly. HLHS is one type of congenital heart defect. Because a baby with this defect needs surgery or other procedures soon after birth, HLHS is considered a critical congenital heart defect (CCHD).
Harmony is described by her parents as a little fighter, very alert and trying her best to hold on. She is beautiful with a head full of hair and big, bright eyes.
It was an overwhelming feeling for Morris when she found out she was going to have a baby.
“I felt extremely happy and overjoyed. I am a teacher so, undoubtedly, I love children. I need one of my own, and this is my first pregnancy at age 31. I am happy for my child.”
Both parents said they were advised by the doctors at CRH that Jamaica is not equipped to do the surgery.
“The doctors here on the paediatric ward at Cornwall Regional are providing supportive care. However, they say the expertise and the facility is not here to treat her in Jamaica. The cardiologist told us this on initial diagnosis, and this is why she has to be airlifted overseas immediately,” Morris explained.
Harmony’s left side of her heart was not developed properly during birth. It is a rare defect that affects five in every 10,000 children.
Fighting to get the words out, Morris broke down again as she thought about the survival of her only child.
“It is extremely urgent, and we were told that these types of surgeries will take multiple surgeries. The first one should be done within the first week to two weeks, maximum, of life, and already, she is 11 days old.
With everything that Harmony is going through with her heart condition, her parents are optimistic that she is still a very strong and healthy baby.
Currently, she has to be fed with a tube, and due to difficulty breathing, she is on oxygen.
The Jackson Memorial Hospital in Florida, which has reportedly agreed to do the surgery, is said to require payment 48 hours before it does any work.
“The doctors here at Cornwall Regional, they have been in dialogue with the doctors overseas. They send her vitals and give them updates every day,as in what to do to provide supportive care.”
Wong made sure to get the proper documentation needed for his baby so that the process of her leaving would be a little easier.
“It is a critical heart condition that she has, so we are appealing to the public. We are begging, we are pleading for any assistance. It is a matter of saving her life, so if it’s even US$1, every dollar counts at this time. We appreciate it,” he said, with Morris in agreement.
If you want to assist Harmony Isabel Wong, please contact her mother, Michaelia Morris, and father, Justin Wong, at 876-471-7678 or 876-882-8497
Account details: Bank of Nova Scotia (BNS)
Account #: 000-427-416
Branch: Christiana
Type: Day to day account/savings account
Transit: 125
Name: Michaelia Morris Or
US account #: 000-436-376