Fox News anchor Bret Baier opened up in a recent interview about the personal challenges he and his family have faced, including his son Paul’s life-threatening heart condition at birth.

In an emotional conversation with the Christian Broadcasting Network, Baier recalled how doctors initially believed Paul was healthy. But a nurse noticed his pale complexion before discharge, prompting further tests. That nurse, now seen by the Baiers as a “guardian angel,” helped lead to a diagnosis of five congenital heart defects.

Baier described the moment as devastating. “It was a hard time… I just collapsed,” he said, recalling how overwhelming the diagnosis and looming surgery were for him and his wife, Amy. Paul needed open-heart surgery just days after birth and has since undergone multiple operations and angioplasties.

Amy recalled praying in the hospital chapel on the day of the surgery. “I saw this vision of beams of light all around Paul’s surgical bed,” she said. “I just knew in my heart he was going to be okay.”

Baier was honored by the Horatio Alger Association for overcoming adversity and reflected on the highs and lows of his career and personal life. “We went from the highest of highs to the lowest of lows,” he said. “If he didn’t have surgery, he would die. That moment changes your life.”

Today, Paul is thriving. “His heart is pumping just like anybody else’s,” Baier shared.

In 2023, Baier signed a new contract extension with Fox News, securing his role as anchor of Special Report and co-lead for election coverage into the future. Fox News President Jay Wallace said, “We are thrilled to have Bret continue leading our political coverage into the 2024 election season and beyond.”