Allie’s Healing Hearts

Allie’s Healing Hearts

On Tuesday morning, September 16th, life changed forever for Allie and her family. While running track during athletics at Frenship, Allie suddenly collapsed. Her heart had stopped, and she required immediate CPR. On the track, her heart had to be shocked multiple times to bring it back into rhythm.

In the ambulance on the way to UMC in Lubbock, her heart went out of rhythm again. Paramedics continued CPR and had to shock her two more times. At UMC, her heart was shocked an additional four times before she was finally stabilized enough to be life-flighted to Cook Children’s Hospital in Fort Worth.

Since that day, Allie has endured severe arrhythmias, including dangerous ventricular tachycardia (VTach) episodes that doctors are still working to control. Altogether, she has received 14 shocks to her heart since collapsing. While the CICU team only had to perform CPR and shocking once during her stay there, across her full journey she has had multiple resuscitation events — more than her family can count — a terrifying reality that no child or parent should have to face.

Allie has since been diagnosed with Arrhythmogenic Right Ventricular Cardiomyopathy (ARVC) — a rare and life-threatening heart disease that replaces healthy heart muscle with scar tissue and fat, disrupting the heart’s electrical rhythm. This condition puts her at high risk for sudden cardiac arrest and requires lifelong care.

✨ Just two days ago, Allie underwent surgery to receive a dual device — both a pacemaker and a defibrillator. This device will help control her heart rhythm and protect her from future cardiac arrests. Her doctors also prescribed that the family carry an AED (automated external defibrillator) at all times, which insurance will likely not cover.

Unlike many devices, Allie’s defibrillator will not beep to warn her before it delivers a shock. Her doctors have explained that she will need to learn to recognize her body’s warning signs. The family is even considering a service dog trained to detect dangerous arrhythmias and alert her before she collapses, potentially preventing dangerous injuries.

Recently, Allie was moved from the CICU into the Cardiac Step-Down Unit, a huge step forward after many terrifying days. Doctors say she will need to remain hospitalized for at least another 8 days, possibly longer, as preparations are made for her ongoing care.

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The Road Ahead

• Allie’s heart is severely weakened and doctors hope with rest and treatment her function may improve.

• She will live with her new pacemaker/defibrillator and continue to be closely monitored.

• The family will need to obtain an AED device and possibly look into a service dog to help detect arrhythmias.

• Her recovery will require significant medical support, time, and prayers.

Her parents, Chelsea and Seth, have not left her side. Seth has limited PTO remaining, and the costs of extended hospitalization, travel, meals, and time away from work are overwhelming.

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How You Can Help

Pray – The family deeply believes in the power of prayer and asks for continued prayers for Allie’s healing.

Give – Financial support will help cover medical costs, travel, lodging, meals, the AED, and lost income while the family remains in Fort Worth.

Share – Please share Allie’s story so the community can rally around her.

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The family is beyond grateful for every message, call, and donation already given. In Chelsea’s words:

“The fact that Allie is still breathing, still fighting, and is stepping down from CICU is not lost on me. I am overwhelmed with gratitude. Grateful to God that our story continues. Grateful that we still get time with our girl beyond the CICU, and someday soon beyond these hospital walls.”

Allie’s fight is not over, but with faith, love, and the support of our community, she has hope.

Thank you for lifting up Allie’s Healing Heart.

#AlliesHealingHearts