Hello, I’m Anna Mitchell, and I’m proud to share the journey that led to the passing of a life-saving law in my home state of West Virginia. This is the story of my son, Lucas, and how our experience ignited a movement for change.
On February 20, 2011, I welcomed Lucas into the world through a C-section. My pregnancy had been smooth, with no signs of complications, so it was a shock when the pediatrician noted, “He has a heart murmur.” We tried to remain calm, reassured by others that such murmurs were common and usually resolved themselves. However, our hospital lacked the resources to thoroughly examine his heart, so we were referred to another facility for an echocardiogram just two days later.
The day of the appointment was gloomy. As we drove for an hour, our precious newborn slept peacefully in the back seat, unaware of the potential troubles ahead. Once we arrived, the ultrasound technician’s silence was palpable. My heart sank when she finally said, “I see holes.” Tears streamed down my face as we were informed that only the cardiologist could provide further details, requiring us to wait yet another two days.
When we finally met with the cardiologist, he quickly assessed the echocardiogram and urgently instructed us to take Lucas to the ER, stating, “He needs immediate care, or he will not survive.” The whirlwind of the next few days was surreal as Lucas was placed on medication to prevent his aorta from closing, then transferred to WVU Children’s Hospital for surgery. We learned that he had multiple life-threatening heart defects, which required urgent intervention.
Over the following months, Lucas underwent three heart surgeries and faced numerous procedures, leaving him with visible scars. Tragically, just two days after his third surgery and shortly before his three-month birthday, Lucas passed away.
During our time in the hospital, I discovered a blog called “Ella’s Journey.” The author shared her heartbreaking story of losing her daughter to an undetected heart defect, which inspired her to advocate for a law in Indiana requiring newborn heart defect screenings. I thought to myself, “I can do that.” After Lucas’s passing, I dedicated myself to raising awareness about congenital heart defects, which affect 1 in 100 infants, and how a simple, non-invasive test called pulse oximetry could save lives.
Pulse oximetry uses a small band placed on a newborn’s hand and foot to measure blood oxygen levels. If the reading is below 95% or if there’s a significant difference between the two readings, it may indicate a heart problem. This test should ideally be conducted within 24 hours of birth or before the newborn is discharged from the hospital.
Determined to advocate for change, I searched for information online about pulse oximetry laws in West Virginia but found nothing. So, I created a Facebook page called “Pulse Ox WV” to spread awareness. Soon after, I connected with another mother, Sarah, whose son also faced heart challenges. Together with another heart mom, we formed a passionate team committed to pushing for legislation.
With our backgrounds in advocacy and connections to the American Heart Association (AHA), we approached them with our proposal for a law mandating pulse oximetry testing for all newborns in West Virginia. They enthusiastically supported our initiative, and by January 2011, our bill—named Lucas’s Law—was introduced to the House of Delegates.
After anxiously awaiting news, we were overjoyed to learn that Lucas’s Law had passed through the House. However, our work was not done; we still needed to navigate two committees and the Senate. We rallied support through social media, encouraging friends and families to engage with the AHA’s “You’re the Cure” program, where they could receive updates and advocate for our bill.
On March 10th, we received the exhilarating news we had been waiting for: “Lucas’s Law has passed!” That day was filled with tears of joy, laughter, and dancing as we celebrated this monumental achievement. We were honored to attend the signing ceremony with the Governor, witnessing Lucas’s Law become reality.
Now, every birthing facility in West Virginia is required to perform pulse oximetry tests on newborns before they leave the hospital. Although there’s still some regulatory work to be finalized, the law will be fully implemented by Spring 2013. For me, this legislation signifies that my son’s brief life has made a lasting impact, potentially saving countless others. Knowing that newborns will be screened because of Lucas fills my heart with pride and hope.
As we continue to advocate for heart health awareness and the importance of pulse oximetry, I am grateful for the support of our community and the opportunities to share Lucas’s legacy. If you’re interested in learning more about home insemination options, I recommend checking out this excellent resource on intrauterine insemination.
In conclusion, my journey from heartbreak to advocacy demonstrates how one family’s experience can lead to meaningful change. If you wish to explore more about the topic, you can also read about artificial insemination kits which offer various options for families seeking to grow their own.