Rockwall, TX (February 4, 2025) – Just days after Christmas, Tagg and Katie Petersen received a gift in the form of a phone call they anxiously anticipated. The caller let them know a heart was available for their son, Ridge, who was experiencing heart failure. Ridge, now 9 years old, was born with a heart defect and following three open heart surgeries his health declined to the point at which a transplant became necessary.
At the time Ridge was placed on the transplant registry, Tagg and Katie learned a heart might not come available for 6-18 months. Surprisingly, the call came after just 2 months! Tagg and Katie (almost 9 months pregnant with an unexpected 6th baby boy) dropped everything and rushed to the hospital. The following day, December 28, Ridge received his heart transplant in a lengthy but successful surgery.
Experiences like this can test the strongest – and this family is no exception. However, their faith, family and the support of the Rockwall community and their church has seen them through the challenges.
Katie said, “We have felt so loved and supported by our family, friends, community, and total strangers. While this trial has not been easy, I wish that everyone could feel the love and support we have felt. There are not words to express how much every act of kindness and service mean to us.”
Supporting the Petersen family, their neighbors and church lifted them with donations, meals, prayers, and messages.
With their local family, they bonded together to manage Ridge and his needs, while remaining very present and available to their four other sons – Beckett (13), Griffin (11), Wells (7) and Mack (4). The brothers are Ridge’s biggest cheerleaders, but hospital life is difficult and exhausting. So, even while spread thin, they make time for important moments like family game nights and dinner together.
Of the experience, Tagg said, “We have witnessed miracle after miracle in the past two weeks, and so many prayers were mercifully answered. God has kept His promise: “I will go before your face… my Spirit shall be in your hearts, and mine angels round about you, to bear you up.” Countless prayers and acts of service were offered on Ridge’s behalf, and we felt loved and supported every step of this journey. I am so grateful for a loving God that knows us, cares for us and is still working miracles in our lives. His timing is perfect.”
And the timing is perfect! Ridge discharged from the hospital on January 14 just in time to meet his new baby brother, Ford Manning Petersen, born Thursday, January 16.
Ridge’s recovery has been nothing short of miraculous. While the first-year post-transplant is the most critical, doctors are amazed at his progress. To prevent infection and reduce the risk of rejection, the family will remain secluded for several months, as his immunosuppressant medications do their work. As his body adjusts to his new heart Ridge will slowly resume normal activities.
In the meantime, the Petersen’s growing and thriving family rejoices in their many blessings and answered prayers.
If you would like to show your support for The Petersen family, consider a donation to their account https://www.gofundme.com/f/rally-for-ridges-new-heart-recovery
By Melanie Mayfield. Photos courtesy of the Petersen family.
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