Meet Sophia Bourke: First in Louisiana to receive new heart device at Manning Family Children’s

When Desmond Baird’s daughter, Sophia, started complaining of chest pain last year, Desmond never imagined it would lead to heart surgery. What followed was a complex diagnosis, a specialized procedure, and a story of resilience from a young girl who’s been through more than most her age. 

Desmond, now 29, learned she was pregnant with Sophia on Halloween in October 2016, just days after a tragic accident claimed the life of her husband, Kelsey Bourque. His sudden death left Desmond to navigate life as a young widow with her daughter Scarlet, and now, another little girl on the way. 

Nine months later, Sophia entered the world—a healthy, joyful baby girl. For years, life moved forward. But in 2023, when Sophia was six, she began complaining of chest pain. Concerned, Desmond brought her to the emergency room, where doctors discovered a heart murmur and a small hole in her heart. 

“The doctors said the problems would resolve on their own,” Desmond said, noting that the situation immediately reminded her of the heart surgery her older daughter, Scarlet, underwent shortly after birth. “It felt like, ‘Here we go again.’” 

But when Sophia, now 8, needed some dental surgery in spring 2025, the dentist required a cardiology clearance, having seen the notes from her cardiologist in her records.  

Then, in spring 2025, Sophia needed a routine dental procedure. Her dentist requested cardiology clearance after reviewing past notes in her medical records. Desmond didn’t think twice—just another box to check before surgery. But the visit uncovered something more serious: Sophia would need heart surgery to repair an atrial septal defect (ASD)—a hole between the upper chambers of her heart. 

Sophia Undergoes “First in Louisiana” Surgery at Manning Family Children’s 

The family was referred to Manning Family Children’s in New Orleans, a two-and-a-half-hour drive from their home in Catahoula, Louisiana. Sophia had her heart procedure on May 12, 2025, becoming the first patient in Louisiana to receive a newly FDA-approved device known as the Occlutech ASD Occluder. Ernesto Mejia, MD, a congenital, interventional cardiologist at Manning Family Children’s, confirmed Sophia was an ideal candidate for the medical device. 

Manning Family Children’s is proud to be the first and only hospital in Louisiana to offer the newly FDA-approved Occlutech ASD Occluder, a minimally invasive device designed to close atrial septal defects (ASDs) in the heart. The innovative design of the Occlutech device allows for more flexible and precise placement, offering a safer and more effective solution for children born with this common congenital heart defect. 

“It is a softer, lower-profile implant that reduces risk for small children,” Dr. Mejia said. “We don’t have custom-made devices to manage an ASD, but we offer every option approved in the U.S. Having access to the right tools ensures every child gets the best fit. Sophia’s case was a great example of that.” 

Desmond recalled that Dr. Mejia made the experience easy to understand and comforting for both she and Sophia. “He was phenomenal,” she said. “He answered all my questions before I even asked them. He made our time at the hospital so peaceful and easy.” 

Sophia was awake and aware on the day of surgery, and Desmond did her best to prepare her. It helped that Scarlet, now 9, had undergone open heart surgery as a baby and had also been treated at Manning Family Children’s. “Sophia felt comfortable going to Manning Family Children’s because it’s where her sister went.” 

The procedure took only 27 minutes from start to finish, and Sophia was back with her mother after three hours following recovery from anesthesia. During that time, Desmond followed Sophia’s progress step by step on the hospital’s phone app, designed to keep parents up to date on surgical progress while they waited. “They notified me every step of the way,” she said. “I refreshed the page constantly. The app saved my anxiety.” 

After one night in the hospital, Sophia was discharged. Desmond brought a T-shirt to the hospital for everyone involved in Sophia’s care to sign. “It’s very memorable,” she said. “This was something I want her to remember. I’m trying to raise strong, independent women. Our problems don’t define us. If this surgery had stopped her from doing what she loves, it would’ve crushed her. This shirt reminds her that she’s capable of anything.” 

“She’s doing really well,” Desmond said. “The cardiologist said the surgery went perfectly and there’s no reason for concern.” 

Her recovery went well, and by her June 10 follow-up appointment, she had been cleared by her cardiologist. She now takes baby aspirin daily and will follow up again in three months. 

Sophia is now back to her regular life. She just finished softball, is back in gymnastics, and cheers on her teammates. She’s also very hands on with her 3-year-old brother Jackson. She loves doing hair and makeup and dreams of being both a hairdresser and a baker. 

Desmond’s path hasn’t been easy. Not only did her husband pass away tragically, but her mother also died of cervical cancer when she was just 12 years old. Now a mother herself, Desmond prioritizes regular health screenings and puts her children’s well-being first. Both Scarlet and Sophia required heart care during childhood. Despite the hardships, Desmond remains grounded in strength and faith. 

Stephanie Longman, Desmond’s mother-in-law, said she’s proud of her. “She has been through a lot in her life, and she is so strong. She is a great mom and she always puts her kids first. I am very proud she has God in her life. I know He is working miracles through her.” 

And Desmond said she will stay strong, noting that no matter what challenges lie ahead, she and her kids will face them together. “There’s nothing this world can give you that you can’t handle. Unless God is telling you it’s time to come home, there’s nothing that will stop you from doing what you’re meant to do.” 

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