In Peoria, Arizona, mother named Sara Siqueiros, along with her husband Jason, found themselves facing a heart-wrenching ordeal as all three of their children were diagnosed with restrictive cardiomyopathy before they even turned four years old. This rare condition required life-saving heart transplants for each child, putting the family through an emotional rollercoaster over the past five years.
Initially, in January 2018, their daughter Isabel, just nine weeks after the birth of the twins, was the first to be diagnosed. At first, it was thought to be the croup, but she was later admitted to Phoenix Children’s Hospital when her condition worsened, revealing the grave diagnosis. Isabel received her new heart in May of that year, but her parents’ concerns didn’t end there.
Despite initial tests showing no signs of the disease, both twin boys, Jason and Jaxon, were later diagnosed with restrictive cardiomyopathy as well. The family’s joy quickly turned to fear when Jason suffered multiple cardiac arrests at just one year old, leading to his diagnosis and the discovery that Jaxon also had the condition. Both boys were fitted with pacemakers to manage their conditions and underwent heart transplants, with Jason’s 40-minute cardiac arrest eventuating the urgent need for a transplant.
Despite the immense challenges, Sara expresses her gratitude for every day spent with her children. However, the journey wasn’t without mixed emotions. The family struggled with feelings of relief and guilt whenever they received news of a potential donor heart, realizing another family’s loss resulted in their child’s survival. They make sure to honor their donor families, despite no responses to their letters.
As of now, Isabel, Jaxon, and Jason are doing remarkably well, closely monitored by a cardiologist at Phoenix Children’s Hospital. They have adjusted to a new normal, attending school and enjoying everyday activities like playing on their slip and slide and pursuing their interests in superheroes and video games. While their health requires continuous monitoring and medication, the Siqueiros family cherishes every moment of their children’s resilience and progress.
