Neelima and Pavan Muram were overjoyed when they learned they were expecting their second child. Their two-year-old daughter, Ira, would soon become a big sister, and the family couldn’t wait to welcome a baby boy into their lives.

Neelima’s pregnancy felt like a blessing. Unlike her first, everything seemed smooth and normal. Regular check-ups and ultrasounds showed no signs of concern. Their baby, whom they named Viyaan, appeared healthy and strong.

On June 6, 2022, at 39 weeks, Viyaan was born weighing seven pounds — a perfect, beautiful newborn. But shortly after birth, he developed jaundice due to high bilirubin levels, a common condition in newborns. After several days of treatment, he recovered well and was able to go home.

For a while, everything felt normal.

Viyaan ate well, slept peacefully, and filled the home with quiet joy. But during his one-month check-up, a routine visit suddenly turned into a moment that would change everything.

Doctors noticed something wasn’t right. His breathing was faster than normal, and his oxygen levels were lower than expected.

Soon after, Viyaan was referred to a pediatric cardiologist. Tests, including an echocardiogram, revealed shocking news — their seemingly healthy baby had a serious heart condition.

Neelima and Pavan were heartbroken.

Their son had been born with Total Anomalous Pulmonary Venous Return (TAPVR), a rare congenital defect where oxygen-rich blood doesn’t flow properly through the heart. Instead of circulating to the body, the blood loops incorrectly, forcing the heart to work much harder than it should. On top of that, Viyaan also had a hole in his heart.

Everything moved incredibly fast from that moment.

Within just three days of diagnosis, the family was referred to Children’s Hospital New Orleans, where specialists prepared for urgent surgery. There, they met Dr. Frank Pigula, a pediatric heart surgeon who carefully explained the complex procedure that could save their son’s life.

On July 4, 2022, at just one month old, Viyaan underwent open-heart surgery.

The operation was delicate and critical. Surgeons worked to reconnect the veins correctly so oxygen-rich blood could flow properly through his heart, while also repairing the hole between the chambers.

After surgery, Viyaan was placed in intensive care, surrounded by machines and tubes. For his parents, it was one of the hardest moments of their lives.

“It was heartbreaking to see him like that,” Neelima shared. “But we held onto hope.”

For two days, Viyaan remained sedated. Then, slowly, he began to wake up.

That moment — when their baby opened his eyes again — was something his parents will never forget.

“It was the most beautiful feeling,” Neelima said.

Day by day, Viyaan grew stronger.

Just five days after surgery, the family received the news they had been longing for — they could take their baby home.

Back home, a touching moment awaited them. Little Ira finally got to meet her baby brother, and the house was once again filled with warmth and happiness.

Today, Viyaan continues to receive regular check-ups, but he is described as a happy, joyful baby who adores his sister and brings endless love to his family.

Looking back, Neelima says the journey was incredibly difficult — but they never lost hope.

“Through everything, we kept believing,” she said. “And the doctors and nurses never gave up on our son.”

Because of that strength, and the care of a dedicated medical team, Viyaan now has the chance to grow, laugh, and live the life his parents dreamed of for him.

A small heart, once struggling, now beats with new strength — and a future full of hope.