Bronson’s HLHS Heart Fund

*Bronson update as of 9/22:

At 6 weeks post-operation, Bronson has not had the recovery we were hopeful he would have and is officially in what is considered to be heart failure. As of this past Sunday, his doctors at the AFCH decided it was time for him to make the move to the Children’s Hospital of Wisconsin in Milwaukee to begin preparing for a heart transplant. 

This is a radical, scary step, and something we had hoped wouldn’t be needed until much further into his adult life. The process to prepare for a transplant is lengthy and complex, however, with the severity of Bronson’s condition the operation could take place in as soon as 4-16 weeks.

Now more than ever, please keep Bronson in your thoughts and prayers.*



Dear Friends and Families, once again our sweet Bronson is back in the hospital for his 3rd open-heart surgery in just 3.5 short years. For those of you who may not know, Bronson was born on March 3rd, 2017 with a congenital heart disease called Hypoplastic left heart syndrome, otherwise known as HLHS. HLHS is a severe heart defect in which the left side of the heart does not develop properly, causing life-threatening complications. Treatment for HLHS is perilous, and consists of a series of three reconstructive open-heart procedures known as the Norwood, the Glenn and the Fontan. After these procedures, it is also expected that the patient will have to undergo an eventual heart transplant.
 
Those of you who have been following along on Bronson’s journey know that he was recently admitted to the Children’s Hospital for his third open-heart surgery, known as the Fontan. At the same time he underwent surgery for the Fontan, his doctors also performed an operation to attempt to repair his leaky tricuspid valve, making the procedure infinitely more risky. After 13.5 long hours in surgery, we received word that Bronson was stable and was being monitored in the recovery room. In the weeks following the procedure, however, Bronson has experienced many complications that have hindered the steady recovery we hoped he would have. Bronson had to undergo an additional and unexpected surgery following the collapse of his right lung, amongst other complications, and continues to have a long road ahead of him as his body adjusts to these hugely invasive procedures­. Unfortunately, it's been a cycle of one step forward followed by a few more back. However, through all of the ups and down, Bronson's strength and resilience have been unrelenting. Bronson is a fighter, with a huge support system behind him, and we know he will continue to make great strides until he is able to come home.
 
This fund was created to help relieve the financial burden that continues to weigh heavily on the shoulders of Bronson’s parents through this difficult time. They have provided unwavering support for their son through this time, and have not left his side. Their hospital stay alongside Bronson will exceed 6 or more weeks, and will be followed by numerous weeks of mandated recovery time after returning home. As they endure the emotional toll and heartache of this battle, it’s my hope to provide them with support so that their focus is able to remain where it’s needed most. For those of you who are both willing and able, any form of donation is greatly appreciated.
 
From the bottom of our hearts, thank you for following along on Bronson’s journey. Already in his short span of life, he has endured more than most could ever imagine. We are eternally grateful for Bronson’s amazing team of doctors and for the continued thoughts, prayers and kind words from our friends, families and loved ones.