How a Life-Changing Cardiac Diagnosis at Manning Family Children’s Helped AJ Breathe Easy Again

Six-year-old Amir Walker Jr. (AJ) has always loved to run around and roughhouse with his friends. But even as a toddler, no matter how hard he played, AJ often had to pause to catch his breath. 

AJ’s maternal grandparents both had asthma and passed away from respiratory issues. Doctors told his parents, Jasmin Cheatham and Amir Walker Sr. of Napoleonville, La., that their child’s condition was genetic.  

“He always had issues with breathing. He was always wheezing and he snored terribly,” said Jasmin. “When it got really bad, he took breathing treatments. They helped him, but the heavy breathing and wet cough AJ suffered never really subsided completely.” 

Jasmin said she was resigned to that fact and taught her son how to use the breathing machine so he could go on sleepovers and playdates. 

A Mother’s Intuition Leads to Answers 

In mid-2024, Jasmin decided he was old enough to be tested for allergies and made an appointment with an allergist, Luke Wall, MD, at Manning Family Children’s in New Orleans. X-rays showed AJ had enlarged adenoids and surgery was scheduled with J. Scott McMurray, MD, chief of Pediatric Otolaryngology at Children’s, to remove his adenoids and tonsils. 

“Dr. McMurray was wonderful. He explained everything to us before the surgery and came to talk to us right afterward,” Jasmin said. “On one hand, there was good news, the surgery went very well. On the other hand, Dr. McMurray told us he saw something during the procedure that needed further testing.” 

Rare heart condition diagnosed: double aortic arch  

AJ underwent a CT scan that revealed something Jasmin could hardly believe. “Dr. McMurray told us that AJ had a double aortic arch,” she said. “He was very surprised that AJ made it to six years old without major heart issues.” 

A double aortic arch is a rare congenital heart condition. Instead of a single aortic arch—the main blood vessel that carries blood from the heart— AJ had two. These arches can form a ring around the windpipe and esophagus, potentially pressing on them and causing breathing or swallowing difficulties.  

AJ was transferred to the Cardiac Intensive Care Unit at Manning Family Children’s where they met cardiothoracic surgeon Farshad Anvari, MD.  He reiterated what Dr. McMurray said and offered additional details of the condition and what would happen during the surgery. 

“Dr. Anvari came across as incredibly experienced,” Jasmin said. “He told me it was a rare condition, but that he had performed many of these surgeries. He was very clear that he could handle the heart surgery for my baby. I really admired his confidence—it made us feel very comfortable moving forward.” 

Jasmin admitted she and Amir Sr. were in shock, but thankful that their son’s heart condition was diagnosed at Children’s. “I couldn’t help but think all these years we thought it was asthma and now to find out he is a heart patient. It was so frightening to me.” 

Dr. Anvari surgically treated AJ’s condition by dividing the smaller of the two aortic arches. This relieved the pressure on AJ’s windpipe and esophagus, making it easier for him to breathe. The procedure was done through a small incision in his chest, and thanks to Dr. Anvari’s expertise, the surgery went smoothly. 

Exceptional care at Children’s, every step of the way 

The care and consideration that AJ received created a sense of calm for his family. “The nurses were very sweet. The machines were going off constantly and they were so attentive to my baby. They made me feel like AJ was the most important child there,” Jasmin said. 

In fact, she gave every doctor and nurse who cared for AJ a “10 out of 10!” 

“They were all so great at answering my questions. I couldn’t have asked for better care for my son,” she added. 

Jasmin also gave a special shoutout to nurse Gavin, who recommended she download the EASE app—a tool that keeps parents updated in real time about what’s happening in the operating room. “I felt like I didn’t have to worry as much because I knew what was happening every step of the way. I really appreciated the constant updates,” she said. “The app truly put me at ease!” 

After surgery, Jasmin said Dr. Anvari came out to assure the family everything went well. AJ was discharged a few days later and was allowed to return to school three weeks later. 

AJ will continue to be followed through adolescence every three months by James Krulisky, MD, a pediatric cardiologist at Manning Family Children’s.  

“I have already noticed he is breathing so well and so quietly,” Jasmin said. “He is not gasping for air anymore.” 

Having a rare heart condition may be slowing him down for a while physically, but AJ is very outgoing and talkative. “He is so smart and he loves sports,” Jasmin said. “I hope all of this is in the past very soon and he can get back to swimming and playing softball and basketball.” 

All of his activities will no doubt help AJ when he grows up. He admires the fields and tractors across the street from his house and, right now, he says he wants to own a sugar cane farm.  

“All I want is for him to be a successful young man,” Jasmin said. “I want him to be able to do whatever he wants to do in life.” 

For more information about the cardiology program at Manning Family Children’s in New Orleans, please visit: https://www.manningchildrens.org/services/heart-center/heart-center-programs/ 

For more information about the otolaryngology program at Manning Family Children’s in New Orleans, please visit: https://www.manningchildrens.org/services/ear-nose-throat-care/ 

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About Manning Family Children’s:
Manning Family Children’s is a 263-bed, non-profit academic pediatric medical center that offers comprehensive healthcare services, including over 40 pediatric specialties, just for children. With more than 600 pediatric providers, Manning Family Children’s offers a comprehensive array of specialized pediatric services in Louisiana and the Gulf South. In addition to its main campus located in New Orleans, Children’s operates a network of specialty clinics across Louisiana, including in Covington, Baton Rouge, Alexandria, Lafayette, and the Mississippi Gulf Coast. Children’s offers primary care at 17 convenient locations, along with a network of statewide pediatric affiliations. Children’s is a proud member of LCMC Health, a Louisiana-based, not-for-profit hospital system which also includes New Orleans East Hospital, Touro, University Medical Center New Orleans, West Jefferson Medical Center, East Jefferson General Hospital, Lakeview Hospital, and Lakeside Hospital. Learn more at manningchildren’s.org.