Because behind every tiny heartbeat is a story…
And his nearly ended before it even began.

In December 2020, the world welcomed little Israel — a child long prayed for, long dreamed of, and celebrated with joy the moment he arrived. His first cry filled the room with hope. His mother, Sophie, held him close, believing her baby boy was safe, healthy, and ready to grow into the life they had envisioned for him.

But sometimes, life shifts in an instant.

Though Sophie’s pregnancy had been calm, healthy, and uneventful, something deep in her mother’s heart whispered that something wasn’t right. Israel looked perfect, but subtle signs troubled her — minor changes, barely noticeable to anyone else. Doctors assured her everything was fine. They saw no urgent danger.

But a mother’s intuition does not lie.

Sophie refused to ignore the feeling tightening in her chest. She asked again. And again. Finally, a pulse oximeter was placed on Israel’s tiny foot — a simple check that changed everything.

The numbers dropped.
Dangerously low oxygen.
His life was slipping.

🚨 Within minutes, Israel was rushed to another hospital, where specialists delivered the devastating diagnosis:
TAPVD — Total Anomalous Pulmonary Venous Drainage, a rare, critical, and life-threatening heart defect.

He wasn’t even a day old.

✨ At just 23 hours of life, Israel was taken into emergency open-heart surgery.
He was so small, so fragile, yet forced into a battle most adults could never imagine fighting.

🌈 He spent 10 days in the Pediatric ICU, surrounded by machines, monitors, and the constant hum of hope and fear intertwined. Nurses whispered encouragement. Doctors fought for him. His family prayed over him.

And Israel — tiny, delicate Israel — showed a strength that stunned everyone around him.

🎉 Just in time for the New Year, he was finally strong enough to go home.
A miracle wrapped in blankets.
A heartbeat that refused to give up.

Today, Israel is a bright, joyful, thriving little boy — running, laughing, living the life he almost lost. His smile carries a quiet message of courage. His heartbeat is a reminder of how fragile—and how powerful—life can be.

Because of him, Sophie and Jodie now pour their hearts into supporting Tiny Tickers, determined to ensure no baby’s heart condition goes unnoticed again. They fight so that no mother has to rely on instinct alone, and no child’s condition slips through the cracks.

🫀 Israel’s life teaches us:
• Never underestimate a mother’s instinct.
• Never delay when something feels wrong.
• Never ignore a story that might change a life.

🙏 May his journey inspire deeper compassion, greater awareness, and a reminder that paying attention can be the difference between losing a life… and saving one.

❤️ Israel — your heartbeat has a purpose. And the world is listening.