Christmas Day 2023 brought the most precious gift to Jeffrey “J.T.” Fletcher’s future parents — the news that they were expecting their first baby. They felt a whirlwind of nerves and excitement as they imagined their growing family.
Everything seemed normal until a routine anatomy scan revealed something unexpected.
“The ultrasound showed that the baby’s heart had shifted to the right side of his chest,” said J.T.’s mother, Bailey.
This prompted a referral to Allison K. Black, M.D., fetal cardiologist with Norton Children’s Heart Institute and part of the Norton Children’s Feral Care Program. What followed were four long weeks filled with tests, more scans and plenty of uncertainty as medical teams worked to understand what was causing the unusual positioning.
Diagnosing the issue
The mystery was solved after a fetal MRI revealed telltale speckling on the baby’s left lung. The Fletchers’ son had a condition called congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH). In simple terms, it meant that during early pregnancy, the muscle separating his chest from his abdomen — called the diaphragm — hadn’t fully closed as it should have. This left a small opening that allowed some of his abdominal organs to move up into his chest cavity, pushing his heart to one side and affecting his lung development.
While having a diagnosis brought some relief, J.T.’s parents soon learned that their journey was just beginning.
CDH affects each baby differently. Some have mild symptoms, while others face more serious challenges with breathing and heart function. The condition can make it difficult for babies to get enough oxygen, because their lungs may be smaller, and cause the blood pressure in their lungs to be higher than normal.
Through the Norton Children’s Fetal Care Program, the Fletchers were surrounded by a coordinated team of specialists — from maternal-fetal medicine to neonatology and pediatric surgery — all working together to plan for J.T.’s safe arrival. Families like theirs receive comprehensive support and a clear roadmap before delivery, helping ease uncertainty and prepare for the care their baby will need right after birth.
A rough road
When J.T. (his full name is Jeffrey Thomas) was born Aug. 26, 2024, he immediately went to the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) at Norton Children’s Hospital for specialized care. His parents describe their NICU journey as “a sacred story,” one filled with worry, long days, sleepless nights and medical terms they never imagined they’d need to learn. Yet it was also a story that taught them something profound: that gratitude and grief can exist side by side.
“These were challenges we couldn’t rescue him from,” Bailey said. “Rather, we could only sit with him while he fought to overcome them, which is enough to shatter any parent’s heart.”
But among the beeping monitors and care routines, something beautiful happened. The team of neonatal doctors and nurses became like family to the Fletchers, providing not just medical expertise but emotional support during the most challenging time of their lives. These dedicated professionals gave J.T.’s family hope and helped them celebrate every small victory.
A brighter future
Today, J.T.’s parents have reason to rejoice in the greatest milestone yet — J.T. celebrated his first birthday in August. What began as a frightening diagnosis became a testament to the resilience of one little fighter and the power of exceptional medical care combined with unwavering parental love.
J.T.’s story reminds us that while some babies face unexpected challenges from their very first breath, with skilled medical teams, loving families and time, many go on to thrive. For families facing similar journeys, J.T.’s story offers hope that even during the most difficult circumstances, there are reasons to celebrate and be grateful. If you or a loved one has received a prenatal diagnosis and you’re seeking specialized fetal care, the Norton Children’s Fetal Care Program is here to help. Our multidisciplinary team provides expert, compassionate care for fetal conditions from diagnosis through delivery and beyond. Call (502) 629-5550 to speak with a nurse navigator.