Liam, AKA the "Good Mood Dude" is always cheerful regardless of the circumstances.

The “Good Mood Dude”: Liam’s Journey of Strength and Heart

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Liam’s shirt says it all: “Good Mood Dude.” The phrase perfectly captures the one-year-old’s outlook as he finishes another appointment at the Heart Institute at Johns Hopkins All Children’s Hospital in St. Petersburg, Florida. With a radiant smile, Liam waves at nurses passing his exam room, charming everyone he meets. That joyful resilience continues to amaze his parents, Luis and Amanda, and helps Liam face every challenge head-on.

“He is so strong and he's so happy,” Amanda says. “Despite everything he has been through, he is still giggly and smiley,”

Liam’s journey began before he was born. At Amanda’s third ultrasound, sonographers noticed something concerning about Liam’s heart, but early detection proved invaluable. Johns Hopkins All Children’s Hospital’s Sarasota Outpatient Care Center quickly assembled a care team to support the family.

Pediatric cardiologist Michelle Miller, MD, performed a fetal echocardiogram and diagnosed Liam with tricuspid atresia with transposition of the great arteries — a complex congenital heart defect requiring multiple surgeries. Dr. Miller’s guidance helped anchor the family during an overwhelming time.

“She told us to go with the flow, day by day,” Luis recalls. “She said the most important thing we could do was love our son and be there for him.”

Liam was born on December 30, 2024, and was taken directly to the cardiovascular intensive care unit for monitoring. Doctors acted quickly, performing a cardiac catheterization procedure to improve blood flow and placing pulmonary artery flow restrictors to protect his lungs. After 18 days, Liam was strong enough to go home until his next surgery.

Liam, the "Good Mood Dude," and his has continued to be strong and happy since his diagnosis.
Liam, the “Good Mood Dude,” and his parents have continued to be strong and happy since his diagnosis.

At 8.5 months old, Liam returned to Johns Hopkins All Children’s Hospital for a Damus-Kaye-Stansel procedure combined with a Glenn shunt. The surgery went well. Yet, the following day, Liam’s oxygen levels dropped, and doctors made the life-saving decision to place him on ECMO support. Liam spent more than a month on ECMO, allowing time for his lungs and heart to rest.

“It was incredibly scary,” Amanda says. “But little by little, he got stronger.”

As Liam recovered, he became a favorite on the cardiology floor. Every milestone — from tasting puréed food to lowering oxygen support — was celebrated with dancing and cheers.

Liam went home just in time for the holidays and his first birthday. He now enjoys time with his siblings and continues to grow stronger. While Liam still uses oxygen and a feeding tube, doctors are encouraged.

“Based on how sick he was, we are thrilled with his progress,” Miller says.

Liam will return to Johns Hopkins All Children’s Hospital for his final heart surgery between ages 4 and 5. His parents remain confident in his care — and in his future.

“Sometimes I can’t believe how far he’s come,” Luis says. “It gives me goosebumps.”

“Our team never forgets what a great privilege it is to take care of other people's children,” Miller says. “Liam is an exceptional example of how kids can overcome anything.”