Meet Hugh

When Michele was 22 weeks pregnant, her world turned upside down when she learned that her unborn son, Hugh, had a third-degree heart block, the most severe type. It is a serious medical emergency, and it can be fatal without prompt treatment.

Michele was immediately referred to the IWK’s Children’s Heart Centre, where she began having scans twice a week, underwent several treatments and tried various medications. She was eventually admitted to the IWK for close monitoring. The goal was to help Hugh remain stable and grow big enough for a pacemaker at birth.  

When Hugh was born in January of 2025, his tiny heart struggled, but his highly skilled IWK care team was ready and acted fast. Hours after birth, Hugh was in surgery and was just big enough to receive the pacemaker that saved his life. In fact, Hugh was one of the youngest IWK patients to ever receive a pacemaker. 

After spending three weeks in the IWK’s Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU), the family went home—together. Michele says the day they were discharged, just before her birthday, was the greatest gift she’s ever received. Thanks to the incredible IWK care team around them, their family was finally complete.

Today, Hugh is thriving! He visits the IWK’s Children’s Heart Centre every three months for a thorough checkup. He is currently working on rolling and sitting and is eating and sleeping like a champ. When he’s not conquering his milestones, he loves spending time with his big brother, Dean. 

As he approaches his first birthday in January 2026, we look forward to following his incredible journey ahead!