The Tribune

By JEFFARAH GIBSON

Tribune Features Writer

jgibson@tribunemedia.net

THE five millimetre hole in baby Tyrese Glinton’s heart is now closed. The 20-month old year old underwent a successful heart surgery last year and is now progressing normally like any other child.

Tyrese has experienced more health related problems in her short life than some people do in their life-span. Four of her rib bones were broken; she suffered a stroke and also experienced brain related issues. For a brief time she could not move her arms and legs.

The issues occurred after surgery to correct the hole in her heart. It was performed at Joe DiMaggio Children’s Hospital in Florida on February 15, 2012.

“I knew something was wrong with Tyrese before the doctors did when she was born. Her cry was not as strong as my other children when they were born. I told the nurse something was wrong and she told me the doctor would have to examine her,” said Melvise Glinton, Tyrese’s mother.

Medical examinations showed she had a heart murmur. Several echocardiograms (ECGs) were performed to make a diagnosis and monitor Tyrese. The results showed she had a 5.2 mm hole in her heart and diagnosed her with teratology of fallot.

Tetralogy of Fallot (TOF) causes low oxygen levels in the blood. It also leads to the skin turning bluish-purple. The classic form includes four defects of the heart and its major blood vessels.

After Tyrese was diagnosed, she was sent home to be monitored until her parents could afford heart surgery. The cost of a surgery to correct TOF presented another challenge for Mrs Glinton and her husband Tyrone. In some cases, surgery for TOF can cost over $250,000.

Smoke inhalation from a fire near the Glinton’s residence on East Street complicated Tyrese’s problem more. She was unable to breathe and her skin turned bluish-purple. As a result she was treated with a nebulizer and prescribed medication. Surgery was needed more urgently to repair Tyrese’s heart, however the Glinton’s could not afford it.

With assistance from the Sir Victor Sassoon Heart Foundation Tyrese was able to undergo surgery at Joe DiMaggio Children’s Hospital.

In order to get to Tyrese’s heart, four of her ribs had to be broken. Shortly after surgery Tyrese had a stroke, and could not move her left foot and hand. She also experienced bleeding in her brain. Her lungs also collapsed and three chest tubes had to be inserted.

“I cried every single day over there at the hospital. I thought she was going to die because even after the surgery all of these things started happening to her. But I am grateful to God that she is alive today,” Ms Glinton told Tribune Health.

“This changed my life in many ways. I never thought something like this would happen to me. It hit my door steps when it happened to Tyrese. I now help other people. I care for other people always. Since Tyrese, I have learned to put my feet in other people’s shoes. I never thought I would have a child with a heart condition. I never dreamed of it. I think if someone else had a child like Tyrese, they would leave her in the hospital and never look back,” Ms Glinton said.

Today, Tyrese is a healthy child who finds pleasure in pretending to read books and newspapers.

“She cannot read yet but she holds the books and the newspapers in the front of her as though she is reading. She is so active she likes to talk, dance, and play with her twin sisters. Most people who see Tyrese cannot believe she had heart surgery because she is so healthy now. And whenever anyone talks about the surgery she points to the scars on her chest.

“I am truly grateful that my baby is alive today. I am grateful to the Heart Foundation and Dr Jerome Lightbourne for all they have done. I am also grateful to Mother Victoria Russell of Remnant Revival International Deliverance Ministries for prayer and to the Morris’ of Sam’s Business Machine who assisted with transportation while in the US,” she said.

The Annual Heart Ball is the major fundraiser for the Sir Victor Sassoon (Bahamas) Heart Foundation. Under the theme, “Save a Little Heart – Embrace the Opportunity”, the Heart Ball Committee will host the Annual Heart Ball. The event will be held Saturday at the Sheraton Nassau Beach Resort.