Helen blossoms thanks to expert surgical care

When Helen Huff was born in a north suburban hospital, she wasn’t breathing on her own and doctors were unable to make an exact diagnosis. A quick call to Children’s Memorial Hospital heart surgeon Carl Backer, MD, resulted in the diagnosis of a rare congenital heart defect that needed correcting. “We were told she had a 50/50 chance

to survive and that she needed immediate care,” says her mom, Katie. Helen was transferred to Children’s Memorial, where Backer performed open-heart surgery. Afterwards, she remained in the hospital for two months for recovery and treatment for some complications.

Because of a narrowing of the vascular tubes that connect Helen’s lungs to her heart, she returned for additional surgery several weeks later, which was performed by Backer and fellow heart surgeon Constantine Mavroudis, MD. “After the second surgery she was like a whole different baby – very playful and even sweeter,” says Katie.

Today Helen is 3 and likes gymnastics, swimming and art. “To see her, you’d never know the challenges she’s been through,” says Katie. “She’s really bright and spunky, and we enjoy every day with her.”

One way that Helen’s parents, family and friends show their gratitude to Children’s Memorial for her care is by participating in the Loop the Loop for Kids event. “It’s so much fun to celebrate with other families as we walk together to show our support for the hospital,” says Katie. “Last year Helen walked most of the way alongside her baby sister, Matilda, who was in a stroller, and she couldn’t have been more proud!”