Tyler Jackson has a little extra love in his heart. That’s how his mom, Mitzi Jackson, explained the reason for his heart surgery to him when he was younger, and it also explains his motivation to help others and give back.
Born with transposition of the major arteries (his aorta and pulmonary artery connected to the wrong ventricles), Tyler has been cared for at SSM Cardinal Glennon Children’s Medical Center since he was 1 day old. His mom had a normal pregnancy, but doctors immediately knew something was wrong when she delivered. He was transported to Cardinal Glennon the next day, where a team of doctors confirmed the diagnosis.
There, Tyler’s parents were presented with two treatment options: a newer, high-risk arterial switch surgery that, if successful, might be the only procedure he ever needed, or a more conservative approach that would require him to endure multiple surgeries throughout his lifetime. “Dr. Saadeh Al-Jureidini, Tyler’s cardiologist, explained everything and was so patient,” Jackson recalls. “He made sure we understood Tyler’s condition and made us feel valued, which was so important when we felt so overwhelmed.” This outpouring of support and genuine concern was evident with everyone at Cardinal Glennon, she notes. “I always felt part of a family there,” Jackson says. “They took care of us, whether it was making sure I had eaten lunch or reassuring us in our time of need.”
Tyler, now 25, underwent the riskier surgery at 4 days old, and Jackson describes his recovery as a miracle. He was under constant monitoring for months after surgery but slowly gained strength. Surgery left him with a large scar on his chest. “When he was 4, we were on the beach and a girl pointed to his scar and asked, What’s that?” Jackson recalls. “Tyler responded, It’s me.”
After graduating from Oakville High School in 2007, Tyler worked as a certified personal trainer for a few years. He now manages a Supplement Superstore, where he uses his expertise and experience to help customers reach their fitness goals through proper exercise and nutrition. He credits Al-Jureidini for getting him interested in fitness and how his body works. “I think he’s a large reason for the career path I’ve chosen,” Tyler says.
Until three years ago, Tyler required only a yearly check-up. But due to built-up scar tissue from his surgery, he began experiencing atrial fibrillation and underwent two cardiac surgeries in 2012 with Dr. Ali Mehdirad of Saint Louis University School of Medicine. A blood clot in his leg required another surgery in 2013. Other than taking a blood thinner every day, Tyler has no restrictions and is healthy. “I try to keep my mind positive,” he says. “My past has created who I am today. It led me to my career and established my mindset of helping others.”
Both Tyler and his mom are Glennon Ambassadors, an organization that offers grateful families and patients a chance to give back through various volunteer opportunities. “I want to show kids going through similar circumstances that you can grow up to be healthy and do normal things, and that there’s a lot to look forward to,” Tyler says. “I’m grateful for all the love I’ve been shown and the care from all of my doctors. I know everyone at Cardinal Glennon wants me to be successful, happy and healthy.”
Pictured: Tyler Jackson (right) with his brother, Cody, and his mom, Mitzi
Photo Courtesy of Cardinal Glennon