Hi my name is Melissa. Anthony Jr. or as we like to call him Baby AJ, was diagnosed with two very rare heart defects in my womb during our anatomy ultrasound at 19 weeks. Initially I was being cared for at CHOC St Joseph but was referred to Stanford Hospital as they specialize in the heart surgeries Baby AJ will need in his first years of life. We fought with insurance and after several denials and appeals we got the approval to deliver at Stanford.  Because of his heart conditions the doctors are unable to give us a prognosis after his birth. In Baby AJ's case it's not a matter of if he will need heart surgery but when.  There are about 3 things that they are looking for once baby AJ is born that will possibly need surgery right after birth; pulmonary collateral vessels, valve leakage, and possible anomalous pulmonary veins. Best case scenario is that Baby AJ will be stable after birth, he can wait to have surgery and we will return to Stanford in a couple of months. Worst case scenario is that AJ is not be able to tolerate all the heart complications he has and he will pass at birth, since he will now be cut from my umbilical cord and forced to use his own body and muscles to stimulate his heart. And then there are all the in betweens from those two scenarios. From the beginning we have been told to prepare for the worst, prepare to let Baby AJ go at birth, and really any chances of him making it is a miracle and them being very optimistic. A lot of my questions and wanting to know what to expect for Baby AJ is uncertain until he is born, even if Baby AJ is stable he will be undergoing many surgeries his first years of life and I am told the quality of his life may also be poor. I'm grateful to have been able to know about Baby AJ's heart condition so early on so my family and I can prepare ourselves mentally, emotionally, physically, spiritually, and financially.

His due date is 11/20 I have temporarily relocated from Orange County, CA where I reside to Palo Alto, CA where Stanford Hospital is. I have been blessed to have the opportunity to stay at the Ronald McDonald house until Baby Aj is born and possibly staying after he is born as well. My main priorities are my children, Aliyah who is 9 and my unborn son Baby AJ. I will be spending lots of time in the hospital before and after he is born. The purpose of this Go Fund Me is to alleviate some of the medical expenses and financial burden that I will face so that I may focus solely on Baby AJ's birth and his future heart surgeries, along with my daughter Aliyah. 

I am not one to ask for help. If you know me and if you ask those around me they will always tell you how strong I am. However, this is something in my life that I can’t do alone. I can’t fight and go through this journey alone. I’m so grateful for the family, friends, and coworkers who have come by my side to help me during this time. I know not everyone can help financially and that is okay, but sharing AJ’s story, praying for my son and my family, all of that means something and is so much appreciated!
I'm deciding to hold on to my faith and to believe that no matter the outcome I know in the end of this I will have a story and I hope to share it and be there for someone who has or will have gone through AJ's heart journey. Thank you everyone in advance who support and share my AJ’s Heart Journey!

I will keep updates on his heart condition on the link below. 
https://www.facebook.com/AJheartwarrior/