From uncertainty to hope: Dovie's lifesaving heart journey with MUSC Children’s Hospital

Dovie Loader’s story is one of resilience, love and unwavering spirit. At just 10 months old, she is a bright, joyful little girl whose name reflects her peaceful nature. But her journey has been filled with challenges that no parent could ever imagine. 

Understanding Dovie’s heart condition: Tetralogy of Fallot diagnosis at MUSC  

When Caroline Loader was 10 weeks into her pregnancy, scans revealed a possible heart issue. Due to the small size of Dovie’s heart at that stage, doctors couldn’t provide answers. Carolina and her husband Jacob would have to wait eight more weeks for a clearer picture. 

When the time arrived, the Loaders braced for more uncertainty. While Dovie’s heart remained small, the 18-week scan revealed a congenital heart defect: Tetralogy of Fallot. 

Although unfamiliar with the term, the couple quickly learned that it described four critical issues with Dovie’s heart structure. 

"The news was heavy, but Dr. Zyblewski’s calm, thorough explanation gave us a sense of direction in an overwhelming moment," Caroline said. 

Determined, they dove into learning about “Tet babies,” knowing their journey was just beginning. 

As the pregnancy continued, further scans revealed more complex issues: Dovie’s pulmonary artery was coming off the aorta rather than the pulmonary artery – an unusual condition – and she also had double outlet right ventricle. 

“These discoveries made it clear that Dovie’s condition was even more complicated than initially thought,” Jacob said. “The pediatric cardiology team at MUSC Children’s Hospital continued to offer support and guidance, and as Dovie’s birth approached, we prepared for the possibility of immediate intervention.” 

Dovie’s birth: A rare lunar eclipse and the start of her heart journey at MUSC

Dovie was born April 8, 2024 – the day of a rare lunar eclipse – a moment that felt surreal but fitting for such a special girl. 

Her birth was joyful but marked by anxiety. Dovie would be taken immediately to the pediatric cardiac intensive care unit (PCICU), just one floor below, while Caroline and Jacob remained in labor and delivery. 

Once stable, Dovie’s parents stayed by her side. For the first few days, things seemed normal, but they knew her condition would soon require intervention. 

At just five days old, Dovie underwent a procedure to place two pulmonary flow restrictors in her pulmonary arteries. This new technology provided hope, as it reduced the likelihood of damage to her pulmonary arteries and would help bridge the gap to a full heart repair later. 

After spending three weeks in the hospital, Dovie was strong enough to go home, but her challenges were far from over. The next six months were filled with hospital visits, not just for heart issues but for feeding difficulties. Dovie had been born weighing just over five pounds and needed to reach 10 pounds before her full repair surgery could be performed. 

As the months passed, Dovie struggled with feeding, and an NG tube was placed at four months to help her maintain the necessary weight. This presented its own set of challenges, with frequent ER visits to replace the tube when it was pulled out or lost due to vomiting. 

Life-saving heart surgery: Dovie's successful Tetralogy of Fallot repair at MUSC

As her surgery date neared, anxiety gripped the family. On Oct. 23, 2024, Dovie was scheduled for heart surgery. Pre-surgery consultations, particularly with Minoo Kavarana, M.D., co-director of the Pediatric and Adult Congenital Heart Center at the MUSC Shawn Jenkins Children’s Hospital, offered reassurance. 

“Dr. Kavarana’s calm demeanor and thoughtful approach gave us the peace of mind we so desperately needed,” Caroline said. “We knew, without a doubt, that Dr. Kavarana was the right person to entrust with our daughter’s life.” 

The team at the MUSC Shawn Jenkins Children’s Hospital, ranked second in the United States for cardiology and heart surgery by U.S. News & World Report in 2024, is recognized for their world-class care. The hospital's Pediatric and Congenital Heart Center has consistently exceeded national survival benchmarks in all five individual categories, further confirming that Dovie was in expert hands. 

The day of surgery was the longest – and most hopeful – of their lives. They arrived early, said their goodbyes, and handed their sweet girl over to the surgical team. Hours dragged by, but the updates were positive, offering some relief. After seven and a half hours, Kavarana delivered the news: The surgery was a complete success, and Dovie had done exceptionally well. 

Dovie's Recovery: Overcoming feeding issues and thriving after surgery at MUSC

Dovie’s recovery took nearly a month, with feeding issues being a primary concern. But she recovered beautifully. Just before leaving the hospital, a G-tube was placed to support her feeding needs while she regained strength. At home, Dovie made remarkable strides with solid food, physical therapy, and speech therapy. Every day, she grows stronger and amazes her family with her resilience. 

Her parents are in awe of how much their daughter has been through in her short life – and how gracefully she has handled it all. Through every challenge, Dovie has remained a peaceful, joyful presence, teaching her family valuable lessons along the way. They are grateful for the incredible care she received at MUSC, especially the dedicated nurses and doctors in the PCICU, who have become like family. 

Throughout their journey, Caroline and Jacob have found strength in the support of others who understand what it’s like to care for a child with a heart condition. Meeting other families with similar experiences has also provided invaluable comfort through their darkest days.