Although she’s not yet eight months old, the life of little Piper Jae Paddock has been, “a long journey,” mom Gia Paddock says.
Gia, a Spencerport native, and husband Tim, both New York State Troopers, welcomed Piper Jae last August, already knowing from pre-natal ultrasound diagnosis, that their daughter suffered from multiple congenital heart defects.
“She’s had a bunch of surgeries already,” Gia says. Piper has undergone six surgeries, her mom explains, as well as two additional procedures which include having a tube inserted directly into her stomach for feeding.
The Paddocks, who live in Middlesex, are currently preparing for a return trip to Boston in April for another open heart surgery for Piper – her seventh. “She will have yet another surgery at two years,” Gia explains.
Gia’s mom, Julie Ross, says Piper is an inspiration to everyone. “She is our little blessing,” Ross says. “She is a ray of sunshine, I can’t imagine life without her.”
When the condition was first diagnosed during Gia’s pregnancy, doctors warned Gia and Tim that the baby probably wouldn’t survive. The Paddocks decided to travel to Boston before Piper was born to seek help from Dr. Wayne Tworetzky at the Boston’s Children’s Hospital. Saying she wanted to give little Piper every chance possible, Gia received a trial medication during the pregnancy.
After Piper was born, she required her first surgery after only 36 hours due to low oxygen levels.
Ross says it’s important for people to understand that one out of every 100 babies are born with some form of congenital heart defect. “We want to raise awareness of ‘heart babies’,” she says.
Piper suffers from multiple CHD’s including Ebstein’s Anomaly, which is a rare abnormality in the heart’s tricuspid valve. She also has pulmonary atresia in which the pulmonary valve does not function normally. The pulmonary valve is an opening on the right side of the heart which regulates blood flow from the right ventricle to the lungs.
Gia says despite the pain, tears and challenges her family is facing, Piper is one special little lady. “She’s God’s gift,” Gia observes.
Gia has been receiving unpaid time off since Piper’s birth, but will need to return to work later this year. The family has had to spend tens of thousands of dollars out of pocket for Piper’s medical care as hospital care has been provided out of state and out of the network for health insurance coverage. They have also had the expense of housing while receiving care in Boston.
Troopers at Troop E headquarters have donated time and the New York State and Ontario County Police Benevolent associations have used the “Black and Blue” campaign to assist the Paddocks.
Additionally, those who would like to help are asked to visit a GoFundMe page for Piper Jae and her family at https://www.gofundme.com/prayersforpiperjae.
Julie Ross says cards and encouragement for the Paddock family are welcome. The mailing address is Piper Jae Paddock c/o Julie Ross, P.O. Box 432, Spencerport, NY 14559.
