Michael Edward Putnam

My Cardiac Trailblazers Michael Edward Putnam

In 1962, 9-month-old Mike's parents were informed that his failure to thrive was due to Congenital Heart Disease (CHD). In a time when open heart surgery was not commonplace in babies, local doctors in rural Bainbridge, New York provided little hope that Mike would live more than one year. Refusing to accept the seemingly inevitable outcome, Mike's parents began a quest in search of hope for a longer life for him. It would take them from their hometown to New York City, Columbus, Ohio and eventually to Rochester, Minnesota. Along the way, events convinced the family of the value of their faith in God, trust in medical science and perseverance. Today, Mike shares the early years of his journey and hopes that his uplifting story may inspire other CHD parents, siblings, and patients who are facing similar challenges.