Hearts for Mannix

My cousin, Maria McKnight, was blessed with a gorgeous baby boy earlier this year. It was recently discovered that her son, Mannix, has developed a congenital heart disorder called Patent Ductus Arteriosus (PDA) - a condition that requires this little guy to undergo open heart surgery in early October at Riley Children's hospital.

In addition to the stress and fear that go along with such a diagnosis, Maria is also struggling financially. My wife and I recently welcomed our own child, Maddie, and we were shocked at the hospital bill we received for our healthy baby!

This is our chance to offer a PDA of our own - a Public Display of Affection - for Mannix and his mommy. Please help in any way you can, and know that you are impacting the life of a child who can grow up to change the world for the better. Every child deserves to be loved, and right now, Mannix needs our love more than ever.

If you can't make a donation at this time, please share this campaign with your friends on Facebook or other social networking websites. That way, we improve our chances of gaining valuable contributions.

There is never a situation where you can't do anything for someone, and anything you can do is appreciated - even if that means simply offering prayers of healing.

Thank you for visiting our campaign.
--
John Luttrell

About Patent Ductus Arteriosus (PDA): "Patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) is a persistent opening between two major blood vessels leading from the heart. This normal connection, called the ductus arteriosus, is a necessary part of the baby's circulatory system before birth. It usually closes shortly after the baby is born. However, in some individuals it remains open (patent). When this occurs, it's called a patent ductus arteriosus.

A small patent ductus arteriosus often doesn't cause symptoms or problems and may never need treatment. Untreated, a large patent ductus arteriosus can cause too much poorly oxygenated blood to flow through the heart, weakening the heart muscle and causing heart failure and other complications." - Mayo Clinic (http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/patent-ductus-arteriosus/basics/definition/CON-20028530)