❤️ MIRACULOUS SURVIVAL: Fox News’ Bret Baier Reveals His Brave Son Paul Pulled Through a Grueling 10-Hour Emergency Heart Surgery — The Teen’s Unbreakable Courage Is Inspiring America! 😭🙏

Just when they thought the worst was behind them, a routine check uncovered a golf ball-sized aneurysm that could have burst ANY SECOND… forcing 16-year-old Paul into his FIFTH open-heart surgery overnight!

But against all odds, this warrior teen came out fighting — and now, Bret and his family are sharing their raw, emotional journey of faith, fear, and unbreakable hope that has the nation in tears.

“Gratitude is the attitude” — Paul’s words that saved them all. You HAVE to hear this heart-melting story of survival… full details below, tissues ready! 👇

Fox News anchor Bret Baier has opened up about the profound impact of his teenage son Paul’s emergency open-heart surgery in 2024, describing it as a life-changing experience that reinforced the family’s mantra of gratitude amid adversity.

In a June 2025 exclusive interview with People magazine, Baier reflected on the ordeal one year later, noting that 17-year-old Paul is now thriving — finishing his junior year of high school, eyeing college options, and living “like a normal kid” despite a lifelong battle with congenital heart defects.

Paul Francis Baier was born on June 29, 2007, with five complex congenital heart defects, a condition that meant his heart was “essentially pumping the wrong way,” as Baier has previously explained. Doctors discovered the issues shortly after birth, leading to immediate intervention.

Paul’s medical journey began with his first open-heart surgery as a newborn, followed by additional procedures at 10 months old, 6 years old, and 13 years old. By age 13, he had endured four open-heart operations and numerous other interventions, including angioplasties.

The family had hoped the fourth surgery in 2021 would be the last major one for years, allowing Paul to grow into a typical teenager. He excelled in school, stood nearly 6’4″, and played varsity golf — a far cry from the fragile infant who once fought for survival.

That changed dramatically in April 2024. What started as a seeming common cold prompted Paul’s mother, Amy Baier, to seek medical attention during a family stay in Palm Beach, Florida. Always cautious due to Paul’s history, Amy insisted on a chest X-ray.

The X-ray raised concerns, leading to an MRI that revealed a golf ball-sized aneurysm near Paul’s heart. Doctors described it as a “really big deal,” warning that if it burst, it could prove fatal within minutes.

“We got lucky,” Amy later told reporters, crediting her instinct to pursue further testing despite no obvious cardiac symptoms.

Within 12 hours of the diagnosis, Paul was scheduled for emergency surgery at Children’s National Hospital in Washington, D.C. — the same facility that had treated him since infancy.

Baier, host of “Special Report with Bret Baier,” was absent from his show as the family rushed back north. The procedure, Paul’s fifth open-heart surgery, lasted approximately 10 hours — an agonizing wait for the Baiers.

“It was very emotional,” Baier recalled. Sending Paul into the operating room was excruciating, though the teen handled the news with remarkable composure. When informed of the aneurysm and imminent surgery, Paul reportedly responded, “OK, let’s do what we need to do.”

Surgeons successfully removed the aneurysm, and medical staff expressed optimism that this would be Paul’s final open-heart procedure. Future interventions, if needed, might involve less invasive angioplasties.

Five days post-surgery, Paul was discharged. Baier shared a poignant side-by-side photo on social media: one of infant Paul leaving the hospital after his first surgery, juxtaposed with the teenage Paul standing tall after his fifth.

Recovery involved six weeks of rest, healthy eating, and daily walks before resuming activities like golf or tennis. Paul described the process as “going pretty smoothly,” expressing profound gratitude: “I’m so grateful to have the community I have, and to have my life. A lot can change in a matter of five hours.”

The Baier family — including younger son Daniel, now 14 — leaned on their faith and a positive outlook. “We have a saying in the Baier family that ‘gratitude is the attitude,’” Amy shared. “We learned that from Paul.”

Baier praised the “amazing doctors and nurses” at Children’s National, particularly cardiac surgery chief Yves d’Udekem, whom he dubbed “winner of the week” in a nod to his show’s segment.

The experience deepened Baier’s perspective on parenting. In the 2025 interview, he discussed adjusting to Paul’s growing independence while cherishing moments together, like attending the Masters golf tournament.

Paul, despite missing significant school time, completed his junior year and began exploring colleges. He continues playing golf and maintains straight-A grades, embodying resilience.

The Baiers have long advocated for congenital heart defect awareness, noting that one in 100 children is born with such conditions, half requiring early intervention. They annually donate toys to Children’s National and support related causes.

Public response to the 2024 surgery was overwhelming, with prayers and well-wishes pouring in from viewers, colleagues, and strangers. Baier frequently updated fans via social media, emphasizing appreciation for the support.

No major health setbacks have been reported since the surgery. As of mid-2025, Paul appears fully recovered, with doctors monitoring for minor future needs but no immediate concerns.

The story resonates amid broader discussions on pediatric cardiology advances. Children’s National remains a leader in complex cases, and Paul’s repeated successes highlight progress in treating congenital defects.

For the Baiers, the ordeal reinforced life’s fragility and the power of positivity. Baier, a staple on Fox News since 2009 as chief political anchor, balances high-profile work with family priorities shaped by Paul’s challenges.

Younger brother Daniel has grown up alongside these events, often providing support through video calls during hospital stays.

As Paul approaches adulthood, the family looks forward with optimism. Baier noted potential future procedures but stressed they would pale compared to open-heart surgeries.

The narrative of Paul’s courage has inspired many, from parents of children with similar conditions to general audiences admiring the teen’s maturity.

In a landscape of often divisive news, the Baier family’s transparent sharing of vulnerability and triumph offers a unifying tale of hope.

As 2025 progresses, Paul continues normal teenage pursuits, a testament to medical expertise and personal fortitude. The Baiers remain grateful, living their mantra daily.