Tiny but mighty, Spencer K. Shiver entered the world on November 26, 2024, already fighting a battle far bigger than his tiny body. Born at just 35 weeks via emergency C-section, Spencer’s arrival came after doctors discovered multiple severe heart abnormalities during what was meant to be a routine prenatal checkup. From that moment on, his life became a journey defined by urgency, courage, and extraordinary resilience.

A Race Against Time Before Birth

When Spencer’s complex heart conditions were identified, his family was immediately thrust into crisis mode. To give him the best possible chance at survival, his mother was life-flighted from Panama City Hospital to Orlando, where specialized pediatric cardiac care was available. Every decision was made with one goal in mind: ensuring Spencer could be born in a hospital capable of handling the immense medical challenges he would face from his very first breath.

That preparation proved lifesaving. Immediately after birth, Spencer was transferred to Nemours Children’s Hospital, where a team of specialists confirmed the extent of his diagnoses—conditions that would shape every step of his early life.

A Heart Carrying Enormous Challenges

Spencer was diagnosed with congenitally corrected transposition of the great arteries (TGA), a rare and complex congenital heart defect. In addition, he has tricuspid atresia, an atrial septal defect (ASD), a ventricular septal defect (VSD), and complete heart block. Each diagnosis alone presents serious risks. Together, they created a uniquely complex and fragile situation requiring constant monitoring and carefully planned intervention.

Despite his size, Spencer’s heart carried an enormous burden. His care demanded precision, expertise, and an unwavering commitment from a multidisciplinary medical team.

Early Interventions: A Critical Beginning

At just three weeks old, on December 17, 2024, Spencer underwent his first cardiac catheterization. This procedure was essential for evaluating heart function and laying the groundwork for a carefully designed three-stage surgical plan.

Only three days later, on December 20, 2024, Spencer faced his first open-heart surgery. The procedure involved placing pulmonary artery (PA) bands to control blood flow to the lungs and implanting a pacemaker to regulate his heart rhythm. The pacemaker now supports his heart 100% of the time, maintaining a consistent and life-sustaining heartbeat.

Those early weeks were emotionally overwhelming. Spencer spent the first 36 days of his life in the hospital, surrounded by monitors, machines, and specialists who watched every heartbeat and breath.

Every Heartbeat Is a Victory

Life in the hospital is exhausting—for both child and family. Days blur together with medication schedules, lab results, and constant vigilance. Yet, within that intensity, moments of hope shine brightly. Each stable vital sign, each calm night, and each successful procedure felt like a small miracle.

Spencer proved again and again that strength is not measured in size. Every heartbeat was a victory. Every day survived was a testament to his resilience.

A Carefully Planned Three-Step Surgical Journey

Although the first surgery stabilized Spencer’s condition, it was only the beginning. His medical team developed a three-part surgical plan, each step carefully timed to ensure the safest possible outcome.

The next cardiac catheterization, scheduled for June 24, 2025, will assess the pressures in Spencer’s heart and lungs. These measurements are critical. If pressures are elevated, medication may be required before surgery can safely proceed. If pressures are within acceptable limits, the second open-heart surgery could take place six to eight weeks later.

This second surgery will redirect blood flow from Spencer’s upper body directly to his lungs without passing through his heart—a major step toward improving circulation and overall heart efficiency.

The third and final surgery lies further in the future. Planned for when Spencer is around four to five years old, this procedure will redirect blood flow from the lower part of his body to the lungs, completing the long-term circulatory correction.

Living With a Pacemaker and Lifelong Care

In addition to these major surgeries, Spencer will require ongoing pacemaker management throughout his life. The pacemaker battery will need replacement approximately every seven to eight years, ensuring uninterrupted support for his heart rhythm.

Even the smallest adjustments—tiny changes in blood flow or pacing—can have enormous implications. That is why Spencer’s care requires constant monitoring and collaboration between cardiologists, surgeons, nurses, and therapists.

Strength Beyond His Months

Despite the complexity of his condition, Spencer continues to show curiosity and awareness. He responds to voices, touch, and familiar faces with alertness and joy—even in a hospital environment. Each recovery phase, filled with rest, nutrition, and careful monitoring, prepares him for the next step forward.

His tiny body adapts in remarkable ways. Major surgeries, invasive procedures, and long hospital stays have not diminished his spirit. Instead, they highlight his extraordinary resilience.

The Power of Family and Advocacy

Throughout this journey, Spencer’s family has been his greatest strength. His parents attend every consultation, ask every question, and advocate fiercely for his care. Their presence—through hugs, soothing words, and tireless dedication—anchors him through even the most uncertain moments.

Family advocacy plays a vital role in pediatric care. Parents work alongside medical teams to verify medications, monitor progress, and ensure nothing is overlooked. That partnership helps create the safest possible path forward.

Hope, Faith, and the Road Ahead

Spencer’s journey is far from over. Future catheterizations, surgeries, and pacemaker maintenance will continue to shape his growth and development. Yet, hope remains constant.

Every milestone matters—improved breathing, steady heart rhythms, successful recoveries, and peaceful nights. Each one reflects not only advanced medical expertise but also Spencer’s innate strength.

His story is a powerful reminder that even the smallest hearts can carry unimaginable courage. Through faith, love, and expert care, Spencer continues to move forward—one heartbeat at a time.

Spencer K. Shiver’s journey inspires perseverance, resilience, and hope. Every breath, every heartbeat, and every milestone is celebrated, reminding us all that strength often comes in the tiniest forms.