Haley's Heart Journey
Donation protected
Meet Haley Elizabeth. When Haley was born her brother, dad and I were so overjoyed with excitement; after nine months of waiting we finally had our little princess in our arms to kiss and to love. The excitement quickly turned to disbelief, heartache and confusion when we were told at 2 days old that we were being referred to a cardiology specialist. Haley’s pediatrician was referring us because while listening to her heart he noticed a murmur. Once meeting with the cardiologist and after some testing was performed, we received the news no parents can prepare for. Although not caught during pregnancy or after delivery, Haley was born with a Congenital Heart Defect. The doctors discovered our baby girl had not only one, but two holes in her heart. With every heartbeat Haley was fighting her CHD. She was born with an Atrial Septal Defect (ASD) and a very large Ventricular Septal Defect (VSD) and the only way to repair her heart and give Haley a chance to grow and thrive in life would require her to have open heart surgery.
That was the beginning of Haley's journey. Countless specialist and doctor visits were scheduled, numerous testing conducted, multiple requests for lab work, three medications administered twice daily and every feeding and progress charted. As her mother, I have not only had the responsibility of caring for a newborn but have also been her nurse, her caregiver, and her biggest voice. It’s heartbreaking as a parent to watch your child go through everything Haley has battled knowing the worse is yet to come. She has been so strong and we have not given up, knowing she deserves the best that we can do for her.
Haley is scheduled for open heart surgery September 10th, 2014 just one day after she turns 4 months old and weighing just under 9 pounds. Although my family leave time has been exhausted, I will continue to be her mother, nurse, caretaker and voice after surgery. I will be faced with the decision to return back to work and financially try to get back on track for my family or stay at home and help my daughter fight for her life. Congenital heart defects have made an enormous impact on my family both emotionally and financially. Any donation amount and prayers are greatly appreciated during this vulnerable time in my family's life. With love and faith, Christian, Heather, Warren and Haley.
That was the beginning of Haley's journey. Countless specialist and doctor visits were scheduled, numerous testing conducted, multiple requests for lab work, three medications administered twice daily and every feeding and progress charted. As her mother, I have not only had the responsibility of caring for a newborn but have also been her nurse, her caregiver, and her biggest voice. It’s heartbreaking as a parent to watch your child go through everything Haley has battled knowing the worse is yet to come. She has been so strong and we have not given up, knowing she deserves the best that we can do for her.
Haley is scheduled for open heart surgery September 10th, 2014 just one day after she turns 4 months old and weighing just under 9 pounds. Although my family leave time has been exhausted, I will continue to be her mother, nurse, caretaker and voice after surgery. I will be faced with the decision to return back to work and financially try to get back on track for my family or stay at home and help my daughter fight for her life. Congenital heart defects have made an enormous impact on my family both emotionally and financially. Any donation amount and prayers are greatly appreciated during this vulnerable time in my family's life. With love and faith, Christian, Heather, Warren and Haley.
Organizer
Heather Chavez
Organizer
