Brookies Sweet Little Heart Fund
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Brooklynn aka "Brookie" is a rambunctious 2-year-old identical twin sister to just as rambunctious Madelynn aka "Maddie." Although Maddie was born with no health complications, Brookie was born with a ventricular septal defect (VSD). A VSD is a hole in the lower
chambers of the wall (septum) that divides the right and left sides of the heart.
The hole is causing her blood to circulate improperly (shunting), so her heart
has to work harder than her sister and most toddlers her age just to try and beat regularly.
Brookie began treating with a pediatric cardiologist almost immediately after birth. The large VSD was always present; however, due to the surprising progress in the first year of her life, there were hopes from us and the medical specialists that the hole would possibly close on its own. At her most recent follow-up appointment earlier this summer, we were faced with the reality that the hole had enlarged and the prognosis was that it is not likely it would repair itself through time. The only option for Brookie is surgical intervention through open heart surgery. If she does not undergo the procedure, Brookie could be faced with serious heart complications such as congestive heart failure, pulmonary issues and cardiac arrest, ranging from severe to possibly fatal. Due to the significant increased growth of the hole, she has to have the surgery sooner rather than later. After extensive research and obtaining multiple medical opinions, we have decided to move forward and her surgery is scheduled for November 20, 2013"”a week before Thanksgiving.
We have been advised that insurance is only covering a portion of the surgery and related medical expenses. It is unknown exactly what the total expenses will be until after the surgery, extended hospital stay, and any post-operative follow-up treatments for an indefinite period of time. Brookie must have this corrective heart surgery in order to live a normal life. She is such a beautiful baby girl and everything on her is perfect, with the exception of the hole in her heart. Once Brookie's Sweet Little Heart is mended by this surgery, she will be able to run, play and learn like other children without any significant complications. If you can find it in your heart to help, we would be so deeply grateful-- for her gift of life. As her parents, we sincerely thank you from the bottom of our hearts.
Chris & Jen
#BrookiesSweetLittleHeart
Brookie began treating with a pediatric cardiologist almost immediately after birth. The large VSD was always present; however, due to the surprising progress in the first year of her life, there were hopes from us and the medical specialists that the hole would possibly close on its own. At her most recent follow-up appointment earlier this summer, we were faced with the reality that the hole had enlarged and the prognosis was that it is not likely it would repair itself through time. The only option for Brookie is surgical intervention through open heart surgery. If she does not undergo the procedure, Brookie could be faced with serious heart complications such as congestive heart failure, pulmonary issues and cardiac arrest, ranging from severe to possibly fatal. Due to the significant increased growth of the hole, she has to have the surgery sooner rather than later. After extensive research and obtaining multiple medical opinions, we have decided to move forward and her surgery is scheduled for November 20, 2013"”a week before Thanksgiving.
We have been advised that insurance is only covering a portion of the surgery and related medical expenses. It is unknown exactly what the total expenses will be until after the surgery, extended hospital stay, and any post-operative follow-up treatments for an indefinite period of time. Brookie must have this corrective heart surgery in order to live a normal life. She is such a beautiful baby girl and everything on her is perfect, with the exception of the hole in her heart. Once Brookie's Sweet Little Heart is mended by this surgery, she will be able to run, play and learn like other children without any significant complications. If you can find it in your heart to help, we would be so deeply grateful-- for her gift of life. As her parents, we sincerely thank you from the bottom of our hearts.
Chris & Jen
#BrookiesSweetLittleHeart
Organizer
Jen-Jen Sou
Organizer
Portland, OR
