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Family asking for prayers as Bradford teen prepares for open-heart surgery tomorrow

The 13-year-old Bradford girl will be having two procedures done tomorrow at Sick Kids
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Alexa Flamenco, (bottom middle) with her parents and two older brothers.

A Bradford family is asking for prayers as 13-year-old Alexa Flamenco heads to Sick Kids Hospital tomorrow for open-heart surgery. 

Alexa is in Grade 8 at St. Angela Merici Catholic Elementary School. Over the summer, she was diagnosed with a rare heart condition that affects only 0.2 per cent of the population. 

From the day she was born, Alexa has been dealing with an array of health issues. She was born hearing impaired in her left ear and has to wear a hearing aid.  When she was six years old had throat surgery, putting her in the ICU for four days after having difficulties with swallowing. She was also diagnosed with epilepsy but has thankfully recently grown out of.

But for the past three years, Alexa has been having difficulty swallowing and breathing, oftentimes choking on her food. Her mother Ashley Flamenco originally believed had to do with the throat surgery she had as a child and sought out an appointment with a specialist. 

"It was really hard for me to get in to see a specialist because of the pandemic," explained Ashley. 

Finally, after having numerous tests done over the summer, the family was relieved to get some answers about Alexa's mysterious symptoms, albeit not the ones they had hoped for. Alexa was diagnosed with a heart condition called aberrant right subclavian artery (ARSA). 

Her heart's artery is deformed but went undetected as only 20 per cent of people with the condition ever show symptoms. Her airways were being cut off, causing her to choke and improperly swallow, which is why she now requires surgery. 

Tomorrow, Alexa will actually be undergoing two surgeries. One with the Ear, Nose, Throat (ENT) doctor, to see if they can help fix the hearing in her left ear. 

"She will never hear 100 per cent, but until they cut her open they won't know if they can fix it," said Ashley. 

The second will be open-heart surgery. 

Recovery from both surgeries will take about one month. If all goes well, no further treatments or surgeries should be required. 

The family is naturally feeling anxious about tomorrow. 

"I'm a mess, but I got to be a strong cookie," an emotional Ashley told BradfordToday.  

And although it has been a rough few months dealing with the stress of Alexa's condition, she appreciated all the support she and her family have received from the school community, in particular, Alexa's Grade 8 teacher Mr. Greg Ellis and Holy Trinity High School principal Mr. Bebie. 

"He (Ellis) has been immaculate," praised an emotional Ashley. "Checking up on her (Alexa), letting me cry to him..."

Tomorrow, Mr. Ellis will be lead a special prayer with the students ahead of Alexa's surgery at 11 a.m. 

"At St. Angela Merici, we will continue to pray and offer support in any way that we can during this stressful time," said Ellis. 

Ashley was touched by the assistance and compassion she has received from a teacher she hasn't even had the chance to meet yet face-to-face due to COVID restrictions. 

"He is going out of his way, that you don't see people do. He actually cares for his students and that's something that is remarkable to me," said Ashley. 

And while Alexa doesn't attend Holy Trinity High School (yet), the principal of the school Mr. Heinrich Bebie has already been speaking with Ashley about the procedure, even offering to buy the family pizza the night before the surgery. 

"We want to see Alexa healthy and smiling again so she can bring laughter and joy to all those around her, "said Bebie. 

Alexa will attend Holy Trinity next year. Her oldest brother graduated from the school a few years ago, and her other brother currently attends the school and is in Grade 11. 

"I just want to recognize them as exceptional, phenomenal teachers and principals that go out of their way for a family," said Ashley. "I am honestly overwhelmed with the amount of compassion, love, and support (they have shown) which is a beautiful thing."

Tonight, Alexa and her family will be headed to Toronto to check into a hotel to relax, have a nice dinner and visit some attractions before heading to the hospital tomorrow morning. 

The Flamenco family is asking for prayers from the community ahead of Alexa's procedures tomorrow.   


Natasha Philpott

About the Author: Natasha Philpott

Natasha is the Editor for BradfordToday and InnisfilToday. She graduated from the Media Studies program at The University of Guelph-Humber. She lives in Bradford with her husband, two boys and two cats.
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