Donation protected
Braylon was diagnosed with HLHS (Hypoplastic Left Heart Syndrome) while his Mother, Karen, was still carrying him. This was an event that rocked the Steinke's world. HLHS is a heart defect in which the left side of the heart does not fully develop and therefore, the right side of the heart has to do the work for both.
Gratefully, modern medical advancements have allowed children with conditions like him to have their hearts surgically altered to provide their body with the demands of a four chamber heart. There is a series of three open heart surgeries that incrementally reroutes blood flow as needed with what his physiology allows.
On September 17, 2013, Braylon Steinke made his grand entrance into the world, and just two days later he had his first of three scheduled open heart surgeries, the Norwood surgery. Karen and Ryan were by their newborn son's side throughout his recovery and Braylon was able to go home after 6 weeks. Six months later, Braylon had his second successful surgery, the Glenn, and recovered for 3 weeks in the hospital.
Braylon‘s third open heart surgery last year didn’t go as planned. Essentially, the intended outcome failed due to unforeseen circumstances. He was returned to his Glenn physiology and two stents were placed to increase the blood flow of his left pulmonary artery. His recovery was supposed to be 1-2 weeks, but also encountered many other roadblocks overcome and finally was able to return home after four weeks. God’s plans for Braylon’s life weren’t finished, and we are beyond blessed he is still with us.
In July, Braylon will undergo a second attempt of the Fontan surgery. We hope and pray with the stents that this will be a successful surgery and much better recovery for him and his family.
Braylon is a bright, caring, active, and fun little boy. He brings joy and awe to everyone he meets. He loves spending time with his family and friends. He loves playing cars, painting, golfing, fishing, swimming, going to Busch Gardens and the park. He will be starting school full time this fall and is already very intelligent. He is a bundle of energy and Karen and Ryan wouldn't have it any other way!
Many people have asked how they can help. First and foremost, they are in need of our prayers. God has blessed this family with such a wonderful little boy. Pray for Braylon, as well as his parents, Karen and Ryan, and their 7 year old daughter, Caroline. Pray for the doctors, nurses, and all involved in his care. Pray for a successful surgery and a speedy recovery.
We can also help out the Steinke family by helping to ease their financial burden. Even with full health insurance, there are dozens of uncovered medical costs. From potential visits from doctors not intending to see him, to future doctors appointments, and a multitude of other specialists involved in his aftercare. They are still dealing with piles of bills from last year’s surgery because of insurance issues. Let's help this family focus on their son and his recovery.
Braylon has been a fighter since day one! He continues to astonish everyone involved in his care, and others hearing his story and meeting him. Thank you for your help in Braylon's road to recovery!
Gratefully, modern medical advancements have allowed children with conditions like him to have their hearts surgically altered to provide their body with the demands of a four chamber heart. There is a series of three open heart surgeries that incrementally reroutes blood flow as needed with what his physiology allows.
On September 17, 2013, Braylon Steinke made his grand entrance into the world, and just two days later he had his first of three scheduled open heart surgeries, the Norwood surgery. Karen and Ryan were by their newborn son's side throughout his recovery and Braylon was able to go home after 6 weeks. Six months later, Braylon had his second successful surgery, the Glenn, and recovered for 3 weeks in the hospital.
Braylon‘s third open heart surgery last year didn’t go as planned. Essentially, the intended outcome failed due to unforeseen circumstances. He was returned to his Glenn physiology and two stents were placed to increase the blood flow of his left pulmonary artery. His recovery was supposed to be 1-2 weeks, but also encountered many other roadblocks overcome and finally was able to return home after four weeks. God’s plans for Braylon’s life weren’t finished, and we are beyond blessed he is still with us.
In July, Braylon will undergo a second attempt of the Fontan surgery. We hope and pray with the stents that this will be a successful surgery and much better recovery for him and his family.
Braylon is a bright, caring, active, and fun little boy. He brings joy and awe to everyone he meets. He loves spending time with his family and friends. He loves playing cars, painting, golfing, fishing, swimming, going to Busch Gardens and the park. He will be starting school full time this fall and is already very intelligent. He is a bundle of energy and Karen and Ryan wouldn't have it any other way!
Many people have asked how they can help. First and foremost, they are in need of our prayers. God has blessed this family with such a wonderful little boy. Pray for Braylon, as well as his parents, Karen and Ryan, and their 7 year old daughter, Caroline. Pray for the doctors, nurses, and all involved in his care. Pray for a successful surgery and a speedy recovery.
We can also help out the Steinke family by helping to ease their financial burden. Even with full health insurance, there are dozens of uncovered medical costs. From potential visits from doctors not intending to see him, to future doctors appointments, and a multitude of other specialists involved in his aftercare. They are still dealing with piles of bills from last year’s surgery because of insurance issues. Let's help this family focus on their son and his recovery.
Braylon has been a fighter since day one! He continues to astonish everyone involved in his care, and others hearing his story and meeting him. Thank you for your help in Braylon's road to recovery!
Organizer
Karen Steinke
Organizer
Riverview, FL