The Oak Ridger, 7/25/05

We Want to Turn a Tragedy Into Something Positive

By: Tatia M. Harris | Oak Ridger Staff
tatia.harris@oakridger.com

Woodland teacher Michael Carvella and his wife Jennifer have been through a lot the past five years. Two of their three children were born with congenital heart defects; their son Mitchell died in August 2003, living to be just 13 hours old. Especially tragic is the fact that Mitchell Carvella was named in memory of Jennifer's brother, Mitchell Melquist, who died of a congenital heart defect in 1978.

Mitchell and the Carvella's other son, Cameron, who is now 5, were born with total anomalous pulmonary venous return (TAPVR). In normal situations, pulmonary veins bring oxygenated blood back from the lungs to the left atrium. TAPVR causes the pulmonary veins to drain directly into the right atrium. In order for an infant to survive he or she must have communication between the right and left side of the heart to allow oxygenated blood to reach the body; thus, open heart surgery is required in early infancy for TAPVR infants. The surgery involves the removal of the pulmonary veins from the right atrium and intricate procedures to make a connection to the left pulmonary veins from the right atrium.

Scott Fraker/Staff
Michael and Jennifer Carvella pose with their children, 10-month-old Carissa and 5-year-old Cameron. Cameron was born with total anomalous pulmonary venous return; Carissa's heart is normal.
"When Jennifer and I were going through the difficulties with Cameron and his surgeries, we were all alone," said Michael Carvella. "We had no support, no one to talk to, no educational material to read, and felt like we were the only family going through such a difficult situation.

"Saving Little Hearts came into existence after Cameron's first surgery. For his second surgery we were the first family to receive a surgery care package. Saving Little Hearts gave us tremendous support when Mitchell died. They even sent us a peace lily. Jennifer and I became a part of Saving Little Hearts because we want to keep Mitchell's memory alive and turn a tragedy into something positive to help other families."

Jennifer is on the Saving Little Hearts board and Michael is on the public relations committee.

Saving Little Hearts was started by Karin and Brad Coulter of Knoxville, whose son was born with a congenital heart defect. The organization is non-profit, and all money raised goes directly to the assistance of families with children born with heart defects.

"All of the proceeds raised goes for the support of families in the form of surgery care packages, some travel experiences, educational material, maintaining the Web site, and support meetings, which are held once a month," said Carvella. "Everyone working in the organization is working on a volunteer basis; there are no administrative costs."

The Carvellas, who are originally from Jamestown, N.Y., have become a close-knit family through their difficulties. "Our experiences have brought us closer together and caused Jennifer and me to refocus on what's important. It's made us not sweat the small stuff and appreciate what's important. With our immediate family living in New York, our little family unit here is probably closer than normal," said Carvella.

Following a recent doctor's visit, Cameron was given no restrictions, for the time being.

The Carvellas had another child last year, daughter Carissa, now 10 months old. Carissa does not have a heart defect.

"Jenn's pregnancy with Carissa was really difficult, even though the doctors said that she (Carissa) would be OK. We had just had two horrible experiences and were very worried. We relied heavily on each other and Saving Little Hearts through out the pregnancy. With TAPVR, the heart is structurally sound, so it is difficult to detect in utero," explained Carvella.

Carvella teaches third grade at Woodland Elementary School and received tremendous support from staff and students during the period following son Mitchell's death. "I talk a little bit about hearts during our health unit when we're learning about the body, but mainly I speak about treating everyone well because some kids are born different - and I show the students Cameron's X-rays," said Carvella.

Saving Little Hearts will be having a benefit concert at 7 p.m. Aug. 12 at The Palace Theater, 113 West Broadway in Maryville. Tickets are $25 per person. Singer Vance Gilbert is the featured performer.

"Saving Little Hearts is a wonderful organization because it lets people know they are not alone. We share experiences with one another and give support. Parents have to learn to really be advocates for their children and be informed. It's difficult emotionally and financially. It can be especially frightening seeing your child with tubes everywhere, but you are not alone. And there is support," said Carvella.

For more information on Saving Little Hearts, visit the Web site www.savinglittlehearts.com or contact (865) 748-4605.