Marissa

Marissa Hope joined our family in February of 2003. She was born in Hunan Province, China. We brought her home to Missouri two weeks before her 5th birthday. We knew when we adopted Marissa that she had TOF and knew that surgery would be in her future. However, that surgery date came much sooner than we would have liked. She had open heart surgery only five weeks after coming to the U.S. at Children's Hospital in St. Louis, MO.

It was also discovered that her main pulmonary artery and valve were not functional. The thing that kept her alive was the Patent Ductus Arteriosis that did not close off after birth. She was very cyanotic and her fingers were clubbed. Her TOF was repaired, and she received a homograft artery and valve.

Seven months later, Marissa is doing great! We know that the possibility of future surgery lies ahead, but for now, we cherish every day with our wonderful bundle of energy! She is in pre-k, has learned English at amazing speed and is best friends with her little sister Natalie. She continues to amaze us with her energy and love of life. And we are truly blessed to be parents of two wonderful little girls from a faraway land.