Published May 19, 2008 09:42 am -
Mom helped before she knew she would need help herself
By Travina Coleman
Phoenix Features Writer
Taniesha Blue didn't realize when she was volunteering for different charities and relief organizations, she would some day be the one needing it.
Blue, who lives in Muskogee, was five and a half months pregnant with her second son, Kylen, when she was volunteering her time at a golf tournament that benefited Children's Miracle Network.
"I did it because I feel a need in my heart," she said. "I had no idea my baby would be born with heart problems."
But he was.
Blue said she first noticed signs when she fed him.
"The milk was coming out his nose," she said. "I panicked. I didn't know what to do."
Children's Miracle Network is a national charity that raises money for treatment and care of diseases and injuries to children.
Rick Postlick of Muskogee, who organizes the fund raisers for the national charity, said the money raised in the area, stays in the area.
"When someone from this area donates to the charity," he said. "You can be sure it stays in the same area. It doesn't benefit children anywhere else besides Oklahoma."
Kylen, who was called Little Boy Blue, even though he was already named, was flown to Oklahoma City, where he underwent two open heart surgeries.
"It was very scary," she said. "I couldn't even hold him."
He remained in the hospital for two months.
Kylen is 9 months old and doing OK.
"He is sick a lot," Blue said. "Especially when the weather changes, he can barely get out."
Blue said she expects to encounter issues with his heart disease as he gets older.