Prayers answered: Robinson, Texas mom removed trach of infant son who breathes on his own for the very first time

ROBINSON, Texas (KWTX) - A 5-month boy who has been fighting for his life with a combination of critical congenital heart defects is breathing on his own for the first time.

His mom, Brittney McFarland, of Robinson, had the great honor or removing his trach for what she hopes is the last time and said finally hearing her baby’s sweet voice for the first time is something she’ll never forget.

“The moment I pulled out the trach is almost indescribable,” Brittney told KWTX. “It felt like all the moments from the months prior came flooding back. All the times that worst case scenario became reality didn’t really matter anymore.”

Jack was born November 19, 2024, in what appeared to be a healthy, normal pregnancy and delivery.

“His delivery went smoothly, and he appeared absolutely perfect --pink, alert and seemingly healthy,” Brittney said. “We were soaking in those first precious moments, completely unaware of what was to come.”

During a routine vital check, nurses determined Jack was in great danger.

He was rushed to the NICU as the parents later received the crushing news that Jack needed to be flown to a Forth Worth hospital that specialized in treating complex heart conditions.

“We were in shock, desperate for answers and utterly heartbroken,” Brittney said.

Since that time, Jack has required several surgeries and breathing assistance either through high flow oxygen or a trach which was put in on March 4.

In the last few weeks, doctors had attempted to remove the trach multiple times, but Jack’s little body didn’t appear ready.

Brittney says during the final failed attempt she pleaded with God.

“I remember going home that night completely heartbroken, feeling like maybe it just wasn’t going to happen to for us. So, I cried and talked to God about how important it was for us to hear his voice.”

The next day, Jack showed improvement and within a few days, doctors tried again, and her prayer was answered.

Jack was breathing on his own and the moment was even more memorable as Brittney was given the honor or removing the trach.

“At exactly 8:24 a.m. that Friday, the room filled with nurses, respiratory therapists and his doctor — it was time,” she said. “They even gave me the grand honor or removing his trach. This device that helped save his life was finally coming out and now Jack was breathing fully on his own. No trach, no ventilator, no nasal cannulas with high flow oxygen, just room air like you and me.”

Brittney said Jack has been breathing strong ever since and she’s not taking a single breath for granted.

“Now his oxygen levels are better than they’ve been in his entire life,” she said. “It still doesn’t feel real. I got to hear his voice again. I saw him smile and I watched him take a breath without machines helping him along the way.”

Brittney and her husband Hunter along with their other son were able to take their first family outing.

While it was only to a small patio on the third floor of the hospital, the family says it was still a big milestone.

“It wasn’t far, but it was a nice little trip for Jack,” Brittney said.

Brittney said Jack has one last hurdle before being released from the hospital. His right lung is retaining too much fluid, but doctors are working on a fix now and as soon as it’s resolved, the McFarland’s will finally be able to go home.

“I want to thank every single person who has cheered us on this journey, who has prayed for us, kept us in your thoughts and has encouraged us along the road,” Brittney said. “God has been so present in every step of Jack’s journey and although our battle isn’t over, we are breathing easier, and we are closer to home.”