JJ was born with many of the 200 identifiable symptoms of DiGeorge Syndrome, to include an aortic arch interruption (Type B) that leads from the heart to the lungs. When a baby is first born an internal valve, the PDA, controls the routing of blood to the lungs. JJ’s life in Children’s Hospital ICU began with open-heart surgery to implant an aortic arch and repair leaks between his heart chambers or ventricles. The surgery had complications. General heart-related conditions like ventricle leakage are also associated with DiGeorge’s syndrome, as detected by doctors listening to palpations
in his heart.

JJ Clark had additional surgeries to address a shortened and stretched epiglottis, soft palate tissue aperture in the roof his mouth, and intestinal issues that lead to reflux resulting in a surgical procedure termed a Nissen Fundiplication. This surgical procedure is often used for reflux patients and essentially functions like a noose that prevents the stomach contents from traveling up toward the mouth. Ear infections plagued JJ for many years and led to implanted tubes that were hit and miss.

JJ receives liquids only through a gastric-tube (G-Tube) that protrudes from his stomach, but eats solids orally. JJ has a weak immune system resulting in frequent illness. He also has a particularly sensitive digestive system, often interrupted by illness landing him in the emergency room. One year alone totaled fifty plus emergency room/hospital visits and missed care/school incidents relative to his digestive system.