Lauren Bednarz, now 37, was born in the suburbs of Detroit, MI. As most babies do, she went home with her family, appearing to be healthy. However, Lauren’s health progressively got worse over the first few weeks of life. Her mother’s persistence led to a clinic visit though doctors dismissed her concerns. It was then that her bluish color alarmed the physician during this visit.
Lauren was in heart failure and required immediate intubation for oxygen support. Due to her critical condition, she could not undergo surgery; instead, she received treatment through her blood vessels via a balloon atrial septostomy to ensure adequate oxygen distribution throughout her body. It was discovered that Lauren was born with a missing right ventricle, one of the four major heart compartments, along with tricuspid atresia and other cardiac anomalies, leaving her with only half of a functional heart.
At five months old, she had her first open-heart surgery to improve the configuration of her heart and blood vessels. When she was two, she underwent another open-heart surgery, the Fontan procedure, which created a bypass around her heart so that “blue” oxygen-poor blood returning from the body would flow directly into the pulmonary artery for oxygenation in the lungs.
In 2021, Bednarz had a third open-heart surgery in Texas lasting 12 hours. This procedure included a Fontan revision, placement of a pacemaker, treatment for atrial fibrillation (an arrhythmia), reduction of the right atrium, and artery repair.
Since infancy, she has faced numerous medical challenges, including three cardioversions, two cardiac ablations, and three open-heart surgeries, along with ten hospitalizations since 2019.
Lauren is passionate about sharing her message of hope and resilience and proud to show off her scars. She strives to live life to the fullest despite the challenges and to inspire others with her positive outlook.
Growing up, Lauren engaged in various activities, such as playing the piano, participating in family theater and Girl Scouts, babysitting, earning a varsity letter in bowling during high school, and obtaining a bachelor’s degree in psychology.
Today, Lauren resides in Waltham, MA, with her husband, Chris, who has been by her side for over 16 years. Their open and honest discussions about Lauren’s heart condition since the start of their relationship have strengthened their bond.
Laure is an extraordinary advocate for the congenital heart disease (CHD) community and has been vital in helping HeartWorks connect with a broader adult audience. We are thankful for her voice and honored to share a glimpse of her story with our HeartWorks community.
Follow Lauren on Facebook here: (1) Lauren B- Living with a Single Ventricle Fontan Heart (Tricuspid Atresia) | Facebook
Follow Lauren on Instagram here: @laurenb_hopefulheart
