As many of your are already aware, Brooke suffered an aortic dissection three years ago during labor.  Since this time, she has been undergoing routine monitoring to ensure further life threatening changes do not occur to her aorta.  Unfortunately, her aortic root has been gradually increasing in size and now needs replacement. This is a complex surgery and will be performed in Houston on January 7th.  The family will most likely need to be in Houston for several weeks during the post-op recovery period.  We are hoping/praying the procedure goes smoothly.  There will be significant costs including but not limited to medical bills, travel, lodging and missed time from work.  We are hoping to reduce some of this financial stress on the family so they can focus on Brooke's recovery.