Willie’s Surgery
Donation protected
Hi Everyone,
Willie is an otherwise very healthy, active, smart and loving 4 year old boy. As his Godmother and Godfather, we have raised some friends and family funds to assist with meals, lodging, income loss, and impending medical bills. As Willie’s Dad no longer has amazing military insurance, private insurance will not likely cover nearly enough.
Covid further complicates this surgery as there are rules in place that will prevent both parents being with Willie the entire time. Stress and worry are high.
Please consider donating whatever you can. Any donation will help. Any funds raised above the goal will be placed in savings for Willie’s next maintenance surgery which is hopefully far into the future.
Thank you!
Willie Kerr
Dave and Karie Kerr (Dad and Mom)
Jamie and Jen Kerr (Godparents)
And all of our family and friends
Willie’s mom, Karie, had a 20 week anatomy scan while pregnant that discovered Willie’s congenital heart defect(s).
- Hypoplastic Aortic Arch
- Coarctation of the Aorta
- Ventricle Septal Defect
- Atrium Septal Defect
This occurred while they were stationed in Johnstown, PA with the USMC (Willie’s Dad, Dave, is now a retired Marine). They quickly decided to move to Pittsburgh, PA so Dr. Victor Morell could conduct the necessary reconstructive surgery to survive. Willie was in the Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh for approximately 2 months before coming home due to various complications.
He was born on 1/2/17. Mom and Dad were prepared for the fact that once he was born, Willie would need immediate NICU assistance to stay alive. He had open heart surgery (the Yasui procedure) on 1/11/17. The surgery caused him to go into heart block which led to another open heart (Pacemaker) surgery and his heart is now 100% paced (dependent on Pacemaker). The Yasui procedure is the reconstruction of the aorta and pulmonary vein by way of a conduit (in Willie’s case it was a cadaver vein).
Since moving back to Hancock County (Mom’s hometown), Willie is now seen by a cardiologist from a satellite location of Riley’s Hopsital in Evansville, IN. A recent echocardiogram showed his conduit is now 60% blocked and he needs surgery right away. The upcoming heart surgery will consist of replacing the conduit with a larger vein (cadaver veins collects more plaque than regular veins) and upgrading his pacemaker.
He will continue to have heart surgery for “maintenance” throughout his life.
Best case scenario Willie will be in the hospital for a week with recovery at home for up to 8 weeks but may not be reality. Mom and Dad will not be able to work during this time due to surgery being in Indianapolis. Dad just started a business in August and is no longer active duty so bills (especially medical bills) will rack up quickly.
Willie is an otherwise very healthy, active, smart and loving 4 year old boy. As his Godmother and Godfather, we have raised some friends and family funds to assist with meals, lodging, income loss, and impending medical bills. As Willie’s Dad no longer has amazing military insurance, private insurance will not likely cover nearly enough.
Covid further complicates this surgery as there are rules in place that will prevent both parents being with Willie the entire time. Stress and worry are high.
Please consider donating whatever you can. Any donation will help. Any funds raised above the goal will be placed in savings for Willie’s next maintenance surgery which is hopefully far into the future.
Thank you!
Willie Kerr
Dave and Karie Kerr (Dad and Mom)
Jamie and Jen Kerr (Godparents)
And all of our family and friends
Organizer and beneficiary
Jennifer Kerr
Organizer
Knoxville, TN
Karie Kerr
Beneficiary