Young Cairo man’s heart surgery deemed a success

Cairo High School student JaVondis Rollins had a successful open heart surgery in Atlanta Friday, according to his mother, who says the support back home in Cairo has been uplifting. On the day of his surgery, many students and educators “painted” the town blue in honor of the 20-year-old Rollins who was born with a heart condition and down syndrome, by wearing special blue and yellow “#teamjavondis” t-shirts.

“I just want everybody to know that I’m very, very grateful,” stated Rollins’ mother, Dethra Stephens. “Thank you, thank you, thank you, from the bottom of my heart. The outpouring of love and support that was shown on Friday was so amazing and heartfelt. It really touched my heart knowing that I wasn’t alone. I told Mrs Glenda Creech earlier, when I thought very few cared, God showed me different.”

Ms. Stephens said Friday’s surgery at Emory University Hospital lasted about six hours, and her son was put in the children’s cardiac intensive care unit.

“Saturday afternoon, the surgeons and doctors was so amazed at how he was doing,” his mother reports.

But on Sunday night, she had a scare when JaVondis began experiencing atrial fibrillation. Stephens said after undergoing cardioversion to restore a regular hearbeat, JaVondis was moved to a hospital suite.

“Yes, I said suite! They have fell in love with JaVondis and his amazingly big smile and treat him like royalty,” said his mother Tuesday. “He’s much better and ready to go home to Cairo and get in his bed.”

Stephens again thanked Cairo and Grady County for the support, especially the t-shirt project organizer. “Thanks to my cousin Angelita Jackson-Perry for her idea on painting the town blue and yellow in support of JaVondis. Please continue to keep the prayers coming, they are still much needed,” said Stephens.

The surgery was required to replace a leaking heart valve, according to Stephens.