Dawn of a New Day

Little Dawn was prenatally diagnosed with Trisomy 21 (commonly as Down Syndrome) and a congenital heart defect (Ebstien’s Anomaly, ASD, VSD, PDA) early on. Unfortunately, she was born early due to a failing heart and went straight to the NICU where she spent almost her first month of life due to complications with her lungs and heart.

At 2 months old she had to have her first and second open heart surgeries to repair several defects within days of one another. Unfortunately, the first surgery did not go as well as planned and she was put on life support within 15 hours after surgery until a new plan could be developed. During the second surgery (the next day) her doctor did an experimental procedure on her heart that saved her life. Because it had never been done before no one knew how long it would last before she would have to have more work done on her heart. The repair that was done lasted almost 2 1/2 years and sustained her until her tricuspid valve was replaced in October 2016.

Sweet Dawn was also diagnosed with severe recurrent obstructive sleep apnea. Her apnea required surgery just after her first birthday to remove her tonsils and adneoids and clip her voicebox. This wasn’t enough to correct her apnea, so just before turning 2 she had another airway surgery scheduled to remover her lingual tonsils and nasal turbinates. That was exactly what she needed to start breathing and sleeping better.

Since late 2016, Dawn has been incredibly healthy and strong! She has met so many milestones and continues to progress at an amazing pace. Her third birthday was the first birthday where she was truly healthy enough to participate fully in her own party. She was able to celebrate with family and friends and actually enjoy herself!

Her family mentions, “Having her amazing Icing Smiles cake from Theresa’s Sweet Treats N Treasures was literally the ‘icing’ on her cake! It was so realistic that Dawn actually thought it was Elmo and tried to hug it. We will forever be grateful for not only the amazing cake but the love and care that went into helping make Dawn’s 3rd birthday so special! Theresa went above and beyond to make this experience one we will never forget and will always be grateful! Thank you for giving us this opportunity!”

Dawn’s Elmo themed dream cake was provided by Sugar Angel Theresa Wright with Theresa’s Sweet Treats N Treasures in Antioch, Tennessee. Thank you Theresa for all of your hard work and dedication to Icing Smiles. We look forward to seeing more “smiles” from you in the future!