Corbin’s Journey: A Story of Heart Defects and Legislative Change

home insemination Kit

My name is Ruth Morgan, and I want to share a poignant story—one that encompasses both personal tragedy and legislative triumph.

On February 20, 2011, I welcomed my son, a fragile baby boy named Corbin Walker, into the world through a C-section. My pregnancy had been uneventful, so it was a shock when our pediatrician informed us he had a heart murmur. Despite reassurances from those around us that murmurs often resolve on their own, we were scheduled for an echocardiogram two days later, as our local hospital lacked the necessary technology.

The appointment day was cold and dreary. As we drove to the ultrasound office, our little one slept soundly in the back seat, blissfully unaware of the impending news. However, upon arriving and settling in, the ultrasound technician’s silence raised alarms. When my husband inquired about her findings, she hesitated before revealing, “I see holes.” My heart sank, tears welled up, and we were left with more questions than answers, as the cardiologist was unavailable at that moment.

Two days later, we met with the cardiologist, who quickly assessed the situation and said, “You need to take him to the ER immediately or he will die.” Those words marked the beginning of a terrifying journey. Corbin was rushed to the emergency room, where he was started on medication to keep his aorta from closing. Subsequently, he was transported to WVU Children’s Hospital to await life-saving surgery. It turned out he had multiple heart defects that needed urgent intervention.

Over the next three months, Corbin underwent three heart surgeries, endured countless procedures, and faced numerous IVs—all of which left him with scars that told his story. Tragically, on May 17, 2011, just two days after his third surgery and shortly before his three-month birthday, Corbin passed away.

During my time in the hospital, I stumbled upon a blog called Cora’s Story. The author shared her heartbreaking experience of losing her daughter to an undetected heart defect at just five days old. Inspired by her journey, I learned that this mother successfully passed legislation in Indiana mandating that every newborn be screened for heart defects.

Determined to make a difference, I decided I would do the same in West Virginia. Following Corbin’s death, I committed myself to raising awareness about congenital heart defects, which affect about 1 in 100 infants. I focused on the importance of a simple, inexpensive, and non-invasive test called pulse oximetry, which can detect these defects early. Many heart conditions arise without known causes, and while Corbin’s were attributed to a genetic disorder known as Williams Syndrome, they could have been identified earlier through this test.

A pulse oximetry test involves a small band placed around a newborn’s hand and foot to measure blood oxygen levels. If the levels fall below 95%, or if there is a significant difference between the readings from the hand and foot, it suggests a potential heart issue. Ideally, this test should be performed within 24 hours of birth or before the newborn leaves the hospital.

Once I educated myself about heart defects and the pulse oximetry test, I sought out online communities and resources. I discovered a lack of initiatives regarding pulse oximetry legislation in West Virginia and promptly created a Facebook page named Pulse Ox West Virginia. Shortly after, I was contacted by another mother, Sarah, whose son was also affected by heart problems. Together, along with another dedicated heart mom, we formed a coalition advocating for pulse oximetry testing in our state.

Armed with connections from participating in heart awareness events and support from the local American Heart Association (AHA), we presented our proposal to them. They embraced our idea to legislate mandatory pulse oximetry testing for all newborns. In January 2011, we introduced a bill, aptly named Corbin’s Bill, to the House of Delegates.

The anticipation was palpable as we awaited updates on the bill’s progress. When we received the news that Corbin’s Bill had passed through the House, we were overjoyed. However, the journey was not yet over; we still needed to navigate through two committees and the Senate.

Through the AHA’s “You’re the Cure” program, we rallied support by encouraging friends and family to stay informed, send pre-written emails, and contact their legislators. Our efforts gained momentum as we leveraged social media and personal blogs to raise awareness about the importance of pulse oximetry for saving lives.

On March 10th, we received the long-awaited message: “Corbin’s Bill has passed!” Elation flooded over us as we cheered, cried, and celebrated this monumental achievement. We were honored to attend the signing ceremony with the Governor, witnessing the moment that Corbin’s legacy became law.

Now, every birthing facility in West Virginia is required to administer pulse oximetry tests on newborns before they leave the hospital. While the rule-making process will take about a year to finalize, hospitals can begin implementing the test immediately. By Spring 2013, it will be mandated.

Corbin may have lived a brief life, but he has left an indelible mark on the world. His legacy will live on through the lives saved by early detection of heart defects. The knowledge that newborns will be tested because of him is a source of profound joy and purpose.

For more insights on pregnancy and home insemination, consider visiting WHO – Pregnancy, an excellent resource. If you’re looking to explore options for home insemination, check out Make a Mom, which is an authority on the topic. For additional questions or resources, feel free to reach out through Intracervical Insemination.

Summary

Ruth Morgan’s emotional narrative chronicles her son Corbin’s struggle with congenital heart defects and her subsequent advocacy for legislative change in West Virginia, resulting in the passage of Corbin’s Bill, which mandates pulse oximetry testing for all newborns to detect potential heart issues.