After 3rd open heart surgery, Barnesville kid continues to beat the odds

BARNESVILLE, Minn. (KVRR) – This is Isaac Douglas, or as his family calls him, Bubba. He is 12-years-old and he has had a lifetime of challenges. Bubba had a stroke and two open heart surgeries in the first two years of his life.

“It’s overwhelming some days but it’s amazing. He has proved the doctors wrong so often,” said Tasha Douglas, Bubba’s mom. “Even when I was pregnant they knew he wasn’t healthy then and they said I would have a miscarriage. Well he pushed through that and then he was born. He turned blue baby by the day more and more. Because everything was so small they didn’t know how to help him. They told us he wouldn’t even make it to his first birthday and now he’s on his way to being a teenager.”

Bubba has faced a lot then it comes to his health. He is also non-verbal which makes communication a challenge at times. But that hasn’t stopped him from beating the odds and expressing who he is. His mom, Tasha, says Bubba has an infectious laugh and is pretty smart as well.

“He’s literally every little thing for everybody. He has a contagious laugh, he giggles, he loves giggling. He makes paras, teachers and kids laugh so much because he has the goofiest giggle.” said Douglas.

But in October of last year, Bubba faced another hurdle. He would have his third open heart surgery. Which brought up a lot of emotions for the young family in Barnesville, but once again Bubba is back on his feet and being loved by all around him in his community.

“We’ve only been in Barnesville for three years and even here. The school actually, with him being sick with RSV last week, made get-well-soon cards for him.” said Douglas.

And a special gift this past holiday season for the young Bubba. His parents recently got married, and his Dad officially adopted him, a moment that will live with them forever.

Bubba and his family now faces financial strains because of the recent open heart surgery. A benefit has been set for the 20th at the El Zagal for Bubba from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m.

Here is a link to the Lend a Hand Up fundraiser for Bubba and his family.