Update March 2nd

Last night took us all by surprise

Chantal’s water broke at 34 weeks, and just after midnight she was airlifted to Toronto. It all happened so fast. By 6 a.m., Mom and Nick were on a flight to be by her side.

Right now, Chantal is on strict rest and they are doing everything they can to help Baby Bear incubate as long as possible. They’re monitoring him very closely for any signs of distress, especially because of his heart condition. At this point, she isn’t having constant contractions, so the doctors are giving her some time. Depending on how things progress, they will either induce or plan for a C-section if needed.

Full term was the goal — but this little guy has clearly been doing everything on his own terms from the very beginning

Please keep Chantal, Nick, and Baby Bear in your thoughts and send all the positivity and prayers their way. We will keep everyone updated as we know more.

Update January 10th

Chantal has officially entered her third trimester and is now 28 weeks along. This week, Chantal and Nick travelled to Toronto for their next appointment at Mount Sinai, where they met with the prenatal OB team and cardiologist and received the news we’ve all been waiting for.

The genetic bloodwork has come back low risk, meaning none of the major genetic conditions that could impact life expectancy were detected. Cord blood testing will be done after birth to help determine if there is an underlying cause for Baby Bear’s heart condition.

Baby Bear continues to grow, though this visit did show some blood flow restriction, which may mean he could be a bit smaller at birth. Because of this, he will be closely monitored moving forward. The good news is that his heart condition remains stable, with no worsening concerns at this time.

Over the next month, Chantal and Nick will likely be travelling to Toronto twice more for two additional echocardiograms and to meet the full medical team who will care for Baby Bear after birth, during surgery, and through recovery. They will also be preparing to relocate to Toronto around 35–36 weeks and remain there until he is born.

Surgery is expected to take place within the first week after birth, followed by approximately one week of recovery.

We cannot thank everyone enough for the overwhelming love, prayers, well wishes, and donations. Your support continues to mean the world to this family and helps lift them through every step of this journey

Hi, my name is Lindsay.

We are fundraising for my sister Chantal and her husband during an incredibly difficult and emotional time.

Chantal is currently 25 weeks pregnant. Last week, after attending a follow-up appointment at Mount Sinai Hospital in Toronto for what was believed to be a suspected pericardial effusion, they received devastating news that turned out to be far more serious. Doctors discovered that their baby boy will require heart surgery immediately after birth.

At this time, they know he will need a repair for a ventricular septal defect (a hole between the right and left ventricles of his heart), as well as an aortic arch repair, which involves the artery that supplies blood to the body. While this is a major surgery, the medical team has reassured them that it is not considered high risk, and they are feeling hopeful with the care he will receive.

For the remainder of her pregnancy, Chantal will need to travel back and forth to Toronto for frequent monitoring and testing. She will also need to relocate to Toronto two weeks before delivery, with plans to be induced at 39 weeks. Following his birth, they will remain there throughout their baby boy’s surgery and recovery. While they are still awaiting further test results, doctors at Mount Sinai are optimistic, as everything else so far indicates a healthy baby boy.

We are asking for support to help ease the financial burden this situation has created. Chantal is now off work, and funds raised will help cover travel expenses to Toronto, accommodations while they are away from home, and the costs associated with relocating and staying close to their baby during his recovery.

Most importantly, we ask that you keep Chantal and Nick, and their baby boy in your thoughts and prayers as they navigate this incredibly challenging journey. Any support—whether through donations or sharing this page—is deeply appreciated.

We kindly ask for understanding and privacy during this time, as this news is still very fresh and overwhelming for Chantal and her family. While they are deeply grateful for the love and support being shown it can difficult to answer all messages as they are focused on many plans needed over the next few months

Any messages can be sent to Lindsay to share.