Teri and Colin’s world changed when, during Teri’s 20-week anatomy scan, they learned that their unborn daughter, Britton, had a congenital heart defect (CHD) called Pulmonary Atresia. The news was overwhelming, and they were referred to Vancouver Women’s Hospital to meet with a cardiology team who would monitor Britton’s growth and prepare for her arrival. The doctors explained that Britton would need a series of surgeries right after birth to “remap” her heart, and while there was also mention of a potential heart transplant, both Teri and Colin dismissed the idea, thinking, “a transplant couldn’t possibly be the best option.” They couldn’t have imagined how soon that option would become their reality.
In preparation for Britton’s birth and the complex medical care she would require, the family relocated from their home in Sicamous, British Columbia, to Edmonton, Alberta, to be close to the Stollery Children’s Hospital, known for its specialized cardiac team. They expected to stay for a few months, but those months would soon stretch far beyond their imagination.
Britton was born in May 2015, and her battle began immediately. At just two weeks old, she underwent her first heart surgery, a BT shunt procedure. Despite their hopes that this would stabilize her condition, it became clear that Britton’s heart was in worse shape than anticipated. Shortly after her birth, Britton was officially listed for a heart transplant—a reality that terrified Teri and Colin. “Listing Britton for transplant felt like the absolute last resort… at the time it was terrifying, and we almost viewed it in a negative fashion,” Teri recalled. The idea of a transplant was hard to accept, but they would do anything to give their daughter a chance at life.
Over the next few months, Britton’s journey was filled with moments of hope and fear. After her initial surgery, she seemed stable enough at six weeks old to be discharged, though she remained in Edmonton for constant monitoring. But just 13 days after being sent home, Britton’s oxygen saturation levels plummeted, and she was rushed back to the Stollery ER. There, she went into cardiac arrest, the shunt in her heart having clotted. The medical team revived her and placed her on ECMO, a machine that provided heart and lung support, for four days. From that point forward, Britton would remain in the hospital until she received a new heart.
On September 2, 2015, the call came. A heart had become available, and the transplant team had accepted it. “There is no way to put into words our emotions,” Teri shared. “Truly a whirlwind of feeling—gratitude, excitement, fear, disbelief… to this day it still feels surreal.” The surgery took place the following day, and by some miracle, just as the team prepared for the transplant, Britton’s oxygen levels dropped once again due to another shunt clot. The timing of the heart transplant could not have been more critical.
After the surgery, Teri and Colin saw Britton for the first time, and they were in awe. “I will never forget how incredible Britton looked,” Teri remembered. “Her colour was so pink, and she looked so well… this was the moment we realized how badly she needed this heart.” The doctor confirmed that the heart was a perfect match, and that the surgery had gone smoothly. Their daughter had been given a second chance.
Two weeks after her transplant, Britton was discharged from the hospital. Although they remained in Edmonton for follow-up care and countless appointments, their little girl was on the road to recovery. After seven long months, in November 2015, they were finally able to return home to Sicamous. It was a moment they had dreamed of but weren’t always sure would be possible.
The year had been emotionally and financially devastating. The family had exhausted their savings and even considered selling their home. But thanks to the David Foster Foundation, much of the financial burden was lifted, allowing them to focus on Britton’s recovery. “The Foundation has lifted a weight off our family’s stresses,” Teri shared. “The support has played a crucial role in helping us as we get back on our feet.”
Nine years have passed since Britton’s transplant, and her heart continues to function wonderfully. Though there are still occasional concerns, Teri and Colin remain confident in the care Britton receives from her medical team. Life has returned to a new normal, filled with the joy of everyday moments and the appreciation of life’s smallest blessings. Britton, now a happy young girl, celebrated her ninth birthday on May 13, 2024—a milestone that once seemed impossible but is now a beautiful reminder of her strength and resilience. “She has taught us how precious life is and how to appreciate the smallest things,” Teri reflected.
Britton’s journey has shaped her family in ways they never expected. Each challenge she overcame became a reminder of the power of hope, resilience, and the gift of time. Teri, Colin, and her older sister Ayla now live with a deeper understanding of how fragile life can be, but also how extraordinary it is when given a second chance. While Britton’s story began with uncertainty, it continues with joy, strength, and gratitude. The road ahead may still hold unknowns, but every heartbeat is a testament to the love, care, and courage that carried them through.
