Emmett & Monster Blankie
Emmett spent the first two weeks of his life in the cardiac intensive care unit at UPMC Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh. He had been diagnosed with tetralogy of Fallot – a combination of four heart defects – and had his first open heart surgery in 2020 before returning home to Weirton, W. Va.
At seven months old, Emmett was diagnosed with VACTERL association, which affects various systems in the body, including cardiovascular, renal (kidney), and limbs.
In 2024, he needed a second open heart surgery for valve replacement. This was performed by Luciana da Fonseca da Silva, MD.
“We absolutely love Dr. da Silva,” says Brittany, Emmett’s mom. “She is such a sweetheart and made me feel like I was part of the decision-making process, not just being told what is happening.”
When Brittany was in college, she made a blanket with fuzzy little monsters on it. During Emmett’s recovery process, she says “Monster Blankie” became his.
“It’s been such a source of comfort in his life. Wherever he goes, the blanket goes. It consoles him and is the first thing he asked for after waking up from surgery.”
Emmett's treatment and results may not be representative of all similar cases.