Paul was born with a heart that is truly special. His diagnosis is multi-faceted, and his journey has been far from simple. He has pulmonary atresia, a condition in which his pulmonary artery does not connect his heart and lungs, preventing his blood from being properly oxygenated. In addition, Paul’s heart functions with only one ventricle, as one of them is too small to work effectively. He also has a rare form of heterotaxy that only affects his heart—while most children with heterotaxy have multiple organs in abnormal positions, Paul’s other organs are in their correct places, but his heart is pointing in the opposite direction.
Paul has endured three open-heart surgeries and numerous catheter procedures, all in his young life—he’s only five years old. During his recovery from the first surgery, a separate artery in his chest closed off unexpectedly, requiring the placement of a stent. Despite these challenges, Paul remains an exciting and happy child, a wonderful reminder of resilience for his family and for all of us at Children’s Harbor.
Finding Support at Children’s Harbor
Paul’s family first heard about Children’s Harbor through the dedicated staff at UAB, and they have since found a sense of community at our Birmingham campus. One of Paul’s favorite activities at our center is the claw machine, “He thinks it’s hilarious when he doesn’t win,” says his father, Graham Hewitt.
Beyond the fun, Children’s Harbor has been a source of critical support for Paul and his family, especially through our counseling services. Paul began experiencing significant anxiety and behavioral issues before his third surgery, likely exacerbated by the physical decline in his heart and lungs. Our counselor, Laura, worked closely with Paul to provide him with tools to manage his anxiety, and the positive impact has been profound. His school behavior has improved, and his family now feels equipped with strategies to help him navigate future challenges. As Paul continues to grow, his family plans to take advantage of more services that Children’s Harbor offers.
Excitement for Champions for Our Children
This year, Paul has something extra special to look forward to—he will be part of our 8th annual Champions for Our Children event. And it’s not just any day for Paul: this will be his very first football game! His excitement at the thought of stepping onto the field, watching the game, hearing the music, and experiencing the joy of the crowd is contagious.
For Children’s Harbor, it’s not just about the game—it’s about celebrating life and the community that has stood by Paul every step of the way.
Continuing the Journey Together
At Children’s Harbor, we believe in walking alongside families like Paul’s, offering care, compassion, and support throughout their medical journeys. We are proud to see the growth in Paul’s life and look forward to continuing to be a part of his journey as he moves forward.
For families facing serious illness, we are here to provide not just medical support, but a sense of peace, fun, and community—because every child deserves to feel safe, supported, and loved.
