#NeilHEARTStrong

Neil Yvonne Riley was born on January 11, 2017 in Hattiesburg, MS at Wesley Medical Center to parents Blake and Keli Riley. Two days later, she and Mommy, Keli Riley, were released from the hospital to begin their lives as a family of 3. After only being home for 2 days, a parent's worst nightmare occurred; Baby Neil began having trouble breathing and nothing the new parents did seemed to help. On January 15, 2017, at only 4 days old, Baby Neil was rushed to the emergency room in Hattiesburg but was soon transported to Blair E. Baston Children's Hospital in Jackson, MS for further testing. There she was diagnosed with coarction of the aorta. With further imaging, doctors found her to have a ventricle septum defect and an atrial septum defect with her aortic arch needing repair as well. Baby Neil spent 2.5 weeks in the Pediatric Cardiac Intensive Care Unit awaiting heart surgery; the longest 2.5 weeks of her parents' life. After weeks of waiting, worrying, praying, and crying, Baby Neil had open heart surgery at just 3 weeks old. Fortunately, the surgery went well and all heart defects were corrected. Baby Neil continued in the care of Batson until all fluid on her lungs cleared, kidneys began responding and working correctly, and all ventilators and chest tubes were removed. Baby Neil, Mommy, and Daddy finally got to go home on February 10, 2017. Now that the Riley family is safely home and recovering, the burden of medical bills begin to impede on them. The family does have medical insurance, however, that does not cover all costs accrued during their month long hospital stay. I kindly ask that you make a donation to help Blake, Keli, and Neil Riley with their medical expenses. Every single dollar helps and is greatly appreciated!! I also ask that you pray for Baby Neil and her parents as they continue down the road to recovery. Thank you for taking time to read Neil Yvonne Riley's story and for helping out any way that you can!!