Ashlie Paulin and her family were expecting a joyful Christmas in Louisville when her son Booker was born on Dec. 23, 2021. Instead, they had to hope for a Christmas miracle that their baby boy would survive.

Doctors discovered baby Booker had a serious heart condition that went undetected during Ashlie’s pregnancy. Suddenly, it was an emergency — and the newborn was fighting for his life.

Shortly after birth, Booker was diagnosed with transposition of the great arteries (TGA), a serious heart condition in which the two main arteries leaving the heart are reversed and cause life-threatening breathing issues.

The first several months of Booker’s life were an emotional roller coaster his family never could have imagined. According to Ashlie, throughout the 74-day hospital stay the family’s fear, heartbreak and happiness were always met with unwavering support and solutions from the care team at Norton Children’s Heart Institute.

“We were terrified but never alone,” Ashlie said. “The staff worked like a well-trained orchestra, attending to [ Booker’s] every need.”

Emergency heart surgeries

Shortly after Booker was born, Norton Children’s Heart Institute pediatric cardiologist Edward S. Kim, M.D., performed a lifesaving balloon procedure and stent to increase Booker’s oxygen blood levels. During the minimally invasive procedure, a thin tube was guided through a blood vessel to open a narrowed area of the heart, allowing more oxygen-rich blood to flow.

Despite those early interventions, Booker required additional support and was placed on extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO), a heart-lung bypass machine.

The days that followed were filled with uncertainty. After three unsuccessful attempts to wean Booker off ECMO, Dr. Kim performed a cardiac catheterization, a minimally invasive procedure to improve blood flow without open heart surgery. The procedure was successful in strengthening Booker enough to no longer need the machine’s support.

Throughout this time, Ashlie and her husband never missed morning rounds with the care team, listening closely as physicians, nurses and specialists collaborated on their son’s care.

“So many suggestions were discussed to help with Booker’s complicated case,” Ashlie said.

A fight for his life

As the weeks passed, the team’s focus shifted to helping Booker grow strong enough for open heart surgery. Amanda C. Farris, M.D., and Cynthia S. Crabtree, D.O., neonatologists with Norton Children’s Neonatology, worked tirelessly so Booker could reach that milestone. After 41 days, Booker was finally ready for surgery.

With Booker just 42 days old, Bahaaldin Alsoufi, M.D., director of cardiac surgery at Norton Children’s Heart Institute, performed an arterial switch operation to correct Booker’s TGA. Deborah J. Kozik, D.O., pediatric cardiothoracic surgeon with Norton Children’s Heart Institute, also participated in the surgery and remained part of Booker’s ongoing care.

“Dr. Alsoufi and Dr. Kozik were just fantastic caring for Booker,” Ashlie said. “If something didn’t work or turned in the wrong direction, they simply sought a new way.”

The family expressed gratitude to the many at Norton Children’s who helped in Booker’s care: neonatal intensive care unit, Jennifer Lawrence Cardiac Intensive Care Unit, catheterization lab and ECMO teams, the desk clerks who learned the family by name and followed Booker’s progress, and even “Ms. Wanda” who sanitized their room. Each person made a difference in Booker’s life.

“We will never be able to say thank you enough to the amazing team at Norton Children’s,” Ashlie said. “I didn’t meet one nurse who I didn’t just love. They laughed with us, explained each medication and celebrated with us when Booker finally got his surgery!”

A special bond
According to Ashlie, Dr. Kozik became a special part of Booker’s care team during the more than two-month hospital stay. Whether Booker was stable or facing setbacks, she helped the family feel reassured while being transparent about their baby’s situation.

“We knew Dr. Kozik cared deeply about our son, whether it was the check-ins when he was steady or her tear-filled eyes when a test would fail,” Ashlie said. “We trusted her with our son’s life and knew he was getting the best care possible. We knew the team would not quit on Booker, and no matter the curveballs he threw at them, they got him to the finish line!”

According to Dr. Kozik, it was a joy to have such a strong connection with Booker’s family members, even though they faced a lot of stress and difficult days in the hospital.

“Booker’s family was wonderful, and it was an honor to be part of his care and to help his parents understand his setbacks and goals,” she said. “All of our patients are special, and we try to engage and connect with all of our families.”

One of the family’s most cherished memories is Dr. Kozik holding Booker and saying goodbye on the day they were discharged home.

“Reflecting on her care still brings tears to our eyes,” Ashlie said.

An adventurous, fearless boy

Today, Booker is a thriving 4-year-old. According to his mom, he is an adventurous boy who is curious, funny and full of life.

“He loves to ask questions and figure things out on his own,” Ashlie said. “He loves playing basketball with his four older siblings and keeps us all on our toes. He has no fear!”

Booker continues follow-up appointments at Norton Children’s Heart Institute, where the family has formed lasting friendships with their care team and other heart patients’ families. Appointment days often turn into happy reunions. “We will forever advocate for Norton Children’s Heart Institute and stay involved because this place means everything to us,” Ashlie said. “Norton Children’s has become a second home to us, and we will never forget the team we’ve had the honor of working with. We can never thank everyone enough for saving our boy’s life.”