CHARLOTTE, N.C. — A Charlotte couple spent months at Levine Children's Hospital and almost lost their newborn daughter to a rare heart defect. Now, she's thriving, and they want to make a difference for other families in a similar fight.
"Justice is our heart baby," James Ledbetter said.
Their daughter was at Levine from the time she was just 2 weeks old. The couple knew before their little girl was born that she had a rare heart defect. Now that she's made it out of the hospital, the Ledbetters want to thank those who saved her and give back to other families in the same situation.
"It was a long journey," James Ledbetter said. "Thinking about it now, it's like a blur coming in here, day after day."
"We are here to give back to our fellow heart parents and families," Jessica Ledbetter said.
They've put together some special goody bags. They include items like toiletries and other essentials parents may need during extended stays at the hospital.
"I told my husband as we were walking in here, 'We are back, and this time, I'm excited about being here,'" Jessica Ledbetter said.
James said it feels really good to make a difference after their own experience with baby Justice.
"It's good," he said. "God put you in a position to help others that need help."
It wasn't that long ago they felt helpless.
"We're supposed to be our daughter's hero when the Bat Signal goes off," he explained. "I show up, but there was nothing I could do."
Now 2 years old, Justice has a slight heart murmur but is doing really well. She's a much different kind of challenge for her parents. Once they're happy to face.
"She's a big problem now," James Ledbetter joked. "A good problem now."
She's got a lot of spunk and that's how they like it.
"Justice is awesome. She is our heart warrior," Jessica Ledbetter said. "She is what joy and grace look like."
The couple say this is the first of many deliveries for families and workers at Levine Children's Hospital.
Contact Michelle Boudin at mboudin@wcnc.com and follow her on Facebook, X and Instagram.
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