How Oklahoma Children’s Hospital Helps Save Iowa Baby’s Life

Caring for a newborn presents many challenges. Oklahoma Children's Hospital provides care and comfort to kids and their parents. 

Their efforts have impacted families outside of Oklahoma. The bond the Copeland family shares is born from within. “Seeing him be so courageous and strong, just keeps us going,” said Haley Copeland, talking about her five-month son Colton.  

Parents will remember those fresh memories and silly parent voices -- actions love inspires. Steven and Haley Copeland understand the early stages of parenthood. “The one problem is packing enough toys to keep his interest,” Steven Copeland said. 

They visited Oklahoma City from Cedar Rapids Iowa – Steven’s dad and grandpa grew up in Oklahoma. “I am a die-hard Oklahoma fan,” Steven Copeland said. 

Little did he know his five-month-old son Colton would bring him back. “My favorite team had the top surgeon in the nation for this,” Steven Copeland said. 

Colton suffers from hypoplastic left heart syndrome. “Which means the left pumping chamber of his heart didn’t develop properly,” said Dr. Harold Burkhart, Pediatric heart surgeon – Oklahoma Children's Hospital OU Health. 

Colton needed several complex surgeries. “Yeah -- he’s a fighter,” Haley Copeland said. 

Mayo Clinic Health System in Rochester Minnesota did the first surgery. “He was eight days old with his first huge surgery,” Haley Copeland said. 

Burhart performed the second surgery. Burkhart said Colton was out of the hospital in about a week. “It is actually quite remarkable,” Burkhart said.  

Burkhart said a decade ago, this surgery wasn’t possible in Oklahoma. Now, they’re helping families across state lines. “It doesn’t get any better than this,” said Burkhart, talking about his mission of caring for families. “Dr. Burkhart is a godsend,” Burkhart said. 

Haley Copeland said the source of her family’s strength comes from the heart. “There’s a reason that they call them heart warriors,” she said. 

Colton will need further care down the road – but he is healthy. Burkhart said the surgery couldn’t have gone better.