Jamie's Heart Foundation is dedicated to the memory of Jamie Noel Hannah.
December 5, 2004 - December 31, 2006
Jamie Noel Hannah was born on December 5th, 2004 to Corina Cross and Tim Hannah. She was born with a rare congenital heart defect called “Corrected Transposition of the Great Vessels”, along with Ventricular Septal Defect (VSD). She was treated at Northwest Children's Heart Care in Tacoma, Washington by pediatric cardiologist Dr. John McCloskey.
Jamie's condition was originally not considered life threatening but was continued to be monitored. At 6 months, she was hospitalized with congestive heart failure. She was placed on medications to control the heart and reduce the fluid in her lungs. To help with the treatment, Dr. McCloskey teamed with pediatric cardiovascular surgeon Dr. Gordon Cohen of the Seattle Children's Hospital and Regional Medical Center.
For Jamie’s long term health, the "Double Switch”, a complex open heart surgery was decided as the best scenario to undergo. Dr. Cohen also consulted with a pediatric cardiovascular surgeon from England, named Dr. Braun. Braun previously had used the “Double Switch” surgery to fix a patient’s heart that had “Corrected Transposition of the Great Vessels”.
Jamie first underwent a “Pulmonary Banding” surgery under Dr. Cohen in November 2005 at Seattle Children's to prepare for the major surgery. She responded wonderfully to the surgery and her heart was conditioned for the next several months. During this time, she remained on four medications.
In October 2006, Jamie successfully underwent the “Double Switch”. Dr. Braun was permitted to come from England to assist the team at Seattle Children's to perform the surgery. Jamie was the first child to undergo this surgery at Seattle Children's. She responded wonderfully, once again, and was released to go home only 8 days after the surgery, but she was continuing to be monitored by Dr. McCloskey.
When Jamie’s family finally felt like they were through with the stress and major treatments, they went on a long, well-deserved, vacation to Maui, Hawaii to celebrate Christmas.
Unfortunately, Jamie passed away on December 31, 2006, while in Maui, Hawaii. Her left ventricle failed with no real explanation as to why. While the surgery was successful, her heart just didn’t want to continue the fight.
The medical treatments for Jamie’s condition cost over $400,000. Fortunately, her family was lucky enough to have the out-of-pocket expenses greatly reduced. With the support of family, friends, co-workers, and others, they were able to afford the best treatment. Through their experience, they witnessed first-hand that many families suffer emotionally and financially from the stress of treating their child. Jamie’s Heart Foundation believes that Jamie’s legacy is helping other families and children diagnosed with a congenital heart defect. Jamie is remembered everyday by her parents and siblings Peyton, Megan, Henry, and Andrew Hannah as well as the multitude of people whose lives were touched by her. Jamie’s Heart Foundation honors and continues her and her family’s courageous fight.
Remembering Jamie Noel Hannah
While she may no longer be with us, Jamie's legacy continues to have a profound impact on the children and their families that continue to battle childhood heart diseases. With your support, not only will we continue to provide financial and emotional support to families, we will be able to carry Jamie's legacy forward.
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