From SickKids kid to SickKids dad: Mark's story

Mark was a SickKids patient. Now, he’s a SickKids dad to his son, Bennett. 💙

Diagnosed with transposition of the greater arteries as a toddler, Mark had his first open heart surgery at three-years-old. By the age of 12, he had another surgery to have his aortic valve replaced and a pacemaker implanted to assist his heart.

Eventually, his condition led to a heart and double lung transplant as an adult.

Throughout his life, Mark always knew he wanted to be a dad. Fast forward to 2024 - his dream became a reality.

At 22 weeks gestation, Mark and his wife Ashley found out that Bennett had a very serious heart condition called Hypoplastic Left Heart Syndrome (HLHS). The moment he was born, Bennett was admitted to the Cardiac Critical Care Unit (CCCU) at @sickkidstoronto. The same one Mark was in 35 years ago.

After three open heart surgeries and more than five months in and out of the Hospital, Mark and Ashley were finally able to bring their baby boy home.

“He’s a warrior, he’s a fighter, just like myself.”

This Father’s Day we’re celebrating dads like Mark. The ones who offer strength, guidance, and comfort because of their own SickKids story.

Happy Father’s Day to Mark and every SickKids dad.

#SickKidsDadStrong #SickKidsVS #HappyFathersDay #FathersDay