Aiden's New Heart Journey

This GoFundMe is sponsored by Foundation Automotive.

Dakota DeMarrias is a Quick Lube Manager at Kramer Chevrolet in Mandan, North Dakota. Dakota and his wife are going through the unthinkable and need a heart transplant for their 6-month-old son, Aiden. Not only will he need a transplant, but there is a long road to recovery after the procedure. The funds raised will help the family pay for medical expenses, childcare, travel, lodging, and a potential relocation.

For those of you who have not heard Aiden's story; here it goes. Aiden's journey began before being born. He was diagnosed in utero with a rare heart defect. His heart was missing many parts. Kailie and Dakota were told that immediately after birth, Aiden would need open heart surgery, then again at 6 months, and the age of 5. If any one of these surgeries did not work, he would need a heart transplant. Aiden had his first surgery at 2 weeks old. This surgery enabled Aiden to grow and get stronger for his second open heart surgery at 6 months. On January 4, 2023, Aiden was admitted to Mayo hospital for his 2nd open-heart surgery. The length of the stay for this surgery was 2 weeks and then he would go home to finish his recovery. The surgery on his heart went as planned, but his heart was very tired. Aiden came out of surgery on an ECMO machine. This is a heart-lung bypass machine and did the work for his heart and lungs. The original plan was to keep him on this for a few days to give his heart and new parts some rest. Aiden was able to come off the machine, however, his heart and lungs couldn't function on their own. Aiden remained on a ventilator. While on the ventilator, he developed a temperature and his lungs started filling with fluid. It was found that Aiden had contracted two different types of Pneumonia. Pneumonia is always something that can happen after major heart surgery. It was also found that his diaphragm was not working properly. Aiden had another surgery to fix his diaphragm. The surgery was successful, however, his lungs were still filling with fluid. Aiden remained on antibiotics and his x-rays were looking better. Every time the doctors start to turn the vent down, he would struggle. It was also found that Aiden's heart was not as strong as it was when he came out of surgery.

On Thursday, February 2, 2023, the doctors told Kailie that Aiden will need a heart transplant. The doctors as of this date are hoping that Aiden can come off the ventilator in 7 days, and if his heart will not handle it, they will put a tracheotomy in so Aiden can start to do what babies do. This will enable Kailie to hold him, he can sit up, start to do baby milestones, and eat solid foods.

This is devastating news, Kailie and Dakota now have some hard decisions to make. Aiden will be at the Mayo hospital for up to a year. Once the transplant is completed, Aiden will be sent home with 15 medications a day, for the first month. After that, he will be on at least 4-5 medications a day for the rest of his life. He will need one, maybe even two more heart transplants throughout his life. Heart transplants are roughly good for 20-25 years. This all depends on the person. Due to having to be at the hospital for up to a year, Kailie will have to be away from her other children and Dakota.

There are unpaid medical expenses, childcare, travel, lodging, and a potential relocation to Rochester. This family needs your help. If you are unable to donate, share this with your friends and family. If you prefer to donate directly to Kailie and Dakota, you can do so via Venmo, @kailie-bride or Paypal @DakotaDemarrias.