Joey was born in the summer of 2011. We didn't know there were complications until a few hours after his birth. He was soon diagnosed with Tetralogy of Fallot and a few weeks later with 22q11.2 deletion syndrome. Joey needed open heart surgery at 2 months old. After surgery, we found out that Joey has a blood disorder where his platelets are too large and that he has just one functioning kidney.

At two years old, Joey is the typical toddler: learning how to yell, hug, throw and be independent! He loves to dance, play on his 'laptop' and spend time outdoors. He
is considered non-verbal because he says no words, but he can (and does) make a lot of noise and is learning some sign language at home and in his therapies.