Baby Arielle Strilchuck

As many of you already know, Jessica and Alan are expecting their first baby, a little baby girl named Arielle.  A few months ago, at around 22 weeks, we first learned that baby Ari has congenital heart disease that will require open-heart surgery shortly after birth. Technically, she has been diagnosed with Tetralogy of Fallot with a missing pulmonary valve.  Since that day they have been though many tests, and been to many appointments with multiple doctors both in London and Toronto.  As worrisome as this diagnosis is, the immediate concern is that the pulmonary artery is so enlarged that it is compressing the breathing tubes behind it.  She will likely be born unable to breathe which will require emergency surgery for this issue first.
 
For these reasons, Jessica will deliver at Mt. Sinai Hospital in Toronto and the baby will be instantly transported to Sick Kids Hospital across the street. They do not want to induce Jessica until she is at full term but, because of the specialty surgeries required, they have recommended that Jessica and Alan stay in Toronto from at least 35 weeks gestation to make sure she is close to the hospital therefore they have had to rent an apartment downtown Toronto. Also, due to COVID-19 they are having to extend their apartment stay another month as of now as the Ronald McDonald house is not accepting any new families.  
 
Though they are examining every possible avenue of available financial help, keeping up with the expenses of staying in Toronto and expenses at home is overwhelming. During this added stress we have decided to give this opportunity for friends and family to help.  Please consider helping this young family and I will be posting updates on Jessica’s and little Ari’s progress here regularly as well.
 
Needless to say, it is a long and scary road for Jessica and Alan.  They have been amazed at the standard of care from such a talented group of doctors and feel so blessed that they live in Canada. They have been encouraged in connecting with a group of parents online whose children have been through similar situations successfully.  But mostly, they have been overwhelmed by the love and concern of their family and friends. They want to express their thanks for all the love and prayers that have been expressed to them.  Please keep them in your thoughts and prayers!