Evelyn Strong

This is Evelyn, a remarkable and courageous child born with a rare congenital heart disease. Evelyn, the daughter of Army veterans Erik and Jessica McAndrews, has faced unique challenges. Evelyn’s 20-week ultrasound revealed a rare heart defect, Hypoplastic Right Heart Syndrome (HRHS), with a 1:60,000 births occurrence. She spent most of her first year of life in the cardiac ICU and underwent three life saving open heart surgeries.

She's spent the last two years thriving, growing and being loved by her family. Two days after Christmas that all changed for her. What would be a simple virus turned into three ICU stays across two states. What the doctors discovered during her current ICU stay changed everything for her and for her family.

Before we get too far, it's important to understand her family and what's all being affected. Her father Erik, a medically retired captain, served for 14 years and deployed to both Iraq and Afg (gofundme won't let us use the country name?). Her mother, Jessica, a former first lieutenant, served in the Army Reserve for 8 years. After retiring, Erik underwent several reproductive surgeries to become a father. Through IVF, they welcomed Evelyn, their first biological child. Evelyn now has a two year old sister, a 9 month old brother, and an adoring 13 year old brother. Days before this past Thanksgiving, the family moved from Houston, TX to Reno, NV for a career opportunity of a lifetime.

Just two days after Christmas, 2023, Evelyn fell seriously ill. Currently she is in Salt Lake City’s cardiac intensive care unit, and her situation is more critical than anticipated. While she was fighting for her life against two respiratory viruses, the doctors identified that the heart surgery the family had been anticipating for Evelyn to undergo the past few years would likely not be possible. She would likely need a heart transplant.

There's a possibility that the surgeons will be able to perform a mitrial valve repair and the the Fontan, two separate open heart surgeries. If they're unable to she will go into heart failure. Doctors won't know which course to take for another 1-2 weeks at the earliest. The family is asking for prayers that the surgeons can safely repair her mitrial valve and proceed to the Fontan.

Between the multiple trips to ICUs and the family being separated, they have depleted their savings. No matter what happens, the family will have to leave Nevada due to a complete lack of medical care within that state. Evelyn and her father Erik remain separated until a course of action and the monetary means become available to reunite the family.

Also, as part of these new challenges, Evelyn and her siblings will require a nanny and homeschooling to ensure they do not bring home any sickness that puts her life at risk. Evelyn will also require intensive specialized therapeutic care in several disciplines. Her two year old sister, Elora, also requires speech, developmental, and physical therapies.

The family has been self sufficient and thriving with both parents working and making a life for their family. However, now dad's income has been cut in half, they are living in two different states, the family will have to move, and ongoing care costs have skyrocketed.

You can help Evelyn and her family by making a donation that can change their lives and ease their burden. Even if you can't donate, again the family is asking for prayers that surgeons can repair her mitrial valve and move on to the Fontan procedure. Thank you everyone for your support, love, and prayers.