A journey of strength through prenatal uncertainty, heart surgery at Norton Children’s and remarkable resilience
By: Dana Warder April 16, 2026
A journey of strength through prenatal uncertainty, heart surgery at Norton Children’s and remarkable resilience
By: Dana Warder
April 16, 2026
Estimated reading time: 5 minutes
When Madeline and Jonathan Brennan of Bowling Green, Kentucky, were expecting their third daughter, they had no idea how different this pregnancy would be from their first two. At 12 weeks, a routine blood test revealed an atypical finding on chromosome 21, an early indication that their baby, Lainey, might have Down syndrome. The results set in motion a series of appointments, evaluations, and hard conversations the couple never anticipated.
They were immediately referred to Norton Children’s Maternal-Fetal Medicine, a part of Norton Women’s Care, in Bowling Green. At approximately 15 to16 weeks, Lainey was diagnosed with an atrioventricular canal heart defect.
“It was overwhelming to understand the reality of our daughter’s journey and the possibility of open heart surgery soon after birth,” Madeline said.
Despite their fears, the couple found reassurance through education. A video call was scheduled within days with specialists at Norton Children’s Heart Institute. The session provided detailed explanations and diagrams of a typical heart and Lainey’s heart, along with what to expect during surgery, including the use of a bypass machine and the process of stopping and restarting the heart.
Atrioventricular canal defect is a condition when the center of the heart doesn’t fully form before birth, creating a large opening between the chambers of the heart. The opening affects the valves that control blood flow and can make it difficult for the heart and lungs to function normally. Treatment requires surgery to separate the heart’s right and left chambers and reconstruct the atrioventricular valve.
At 22 weeks, Madeline and Jonathan toured Norton Children’s Hospital, meeting the cardiac surgery team, including Bahaaldin Alsoufi, M.D., director of pediatric cardiac surgery at Norton Children’s Heart Institute, as well as the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) team. They also met with the neonatology team, who provided a complete overview of the multidisciplinary evaluations Lainey would need after birth, from endocrinology to ear, nose and throat, to ophthalmology.
“The support and commitment from Norton Children’s, especially the early education and planning, brought us peace as we prepared for the journey ahead,” Madeline said. “We had complete faith that our little girl would be in good hands.”
Madeline attended maternal-fetal medicine appointments every other week, then weekly as her due date approached. Lainey arrived a few days early via a scheduled cesarean section at Norton Children’s Hospital. She spent five complication‑free days in the NICU, where the heart team met the family to review the plan once more.
“We were thankful to deliver at Norton Children’s and have a team ready if needed,” Jonathan said. I was “blessed to see my wife and Lainey doing remarkable.”
After birth, Lainey began regular follow‑ups with Lucinda T. Wright, M.D., pediatric cardiologist at Norton Children’s Heart Institute, along with a series of routine evaluations recommended for children with Down syndrome. Lainey had frequent scans, sometimes every three weeks, as her care team monitored the progression of her heart condition and her overall growth.
At 5 months old, Lainey underwent open heart surgery with Dr. Alsoufi at Norton Children’s. Madeline and Jonathan had complete confidence with Lainey’s team of cardiologists and nurses. Lainey spent 11 days in the hospital — nine in the Jennifer Lawrence Cardiac Intensive Care Unit and two in the progressive cardiac unit. The care plan unfolded as expected.
“The emotional strain of being apart from our other two daughters was difficult,” Madeline said. “Near the end of the hospital stay, the girls came to visit with their grandparents, and it was tight hugs and tears of joy. Our oldest, 6‑year‑old Emersen, had been especially worried, always wanting updates, praying for Lainey and FaceTiming frequently to see how her baby sister was doing.”
After 11 days, the family was united once again at home in Bowling Green.
In the months following surgery, Lainey was prescribed three heart medications and gradually tapered off to one. Remarkably, her heart, once the greatest concern, has become much less of one. Her echocardiograms and electrocardiograms (heart imaging and rhythm tests) now occur every four to six months, with the possibility of moving to annual check-ins locally in Bowling Green.
“Watching Lainey grow stronger has been incredible,” Dr. Wright said. “Her progress is a testament to both her resilience and the solid support of her family.”
Lainey’s medical journey continues, but she is thriving. Her heart is strong. Her spirit is unwavering, and she is surrounded by family deeply devoted to walking every step with her. “She’s playful and energetic,” Jonathan said. “Lainey is a people person and can capture a room with her smile. She especially loves spending time with her big sisters. This is just the beginning of a story filled with continued joy and resilience.”