Cedars heart surgery

Cedar is a free-sprited, strong willed, loving and energetic 4 year old, she lights up every room that she walks into often making herself known by reciting a joke or something funny that she has heard, singing or loudly laughing. She is incredibly smart, loves all things beautiful (this girl would dress to the nines all day every day if you let her) and shares her moms love for shopping and animals. She is so loved by so many people ♥️

Early last year Cedar was suffering from a lingering cold, her mom Jamie took her to the Dr to see if there was anything that could be done to help her get over it, as the Dr was checking out Cedar he asked Jamie if anyone had ever told her that Cedar had a heart murmur, and referred her to the children’s hospital. A few months later Jamie took Cedar to what we all thought was going to be a quick test confirming that she had a minor heart murmur but was otherwise fine. As the day progressed Cedar was sent for several tests, after a long day of testing a team of Doctors and nurses sat Jamie down and explained to her that Cedar had two holes in her heart as well as a valve that was affected. She was diagnosed with ASD Primum - a hole in the part of the septum that separates the atria (the upper chambers of the heart). This hole allows oxygen-rich blood from the left atrium to flow into the right atrium instead of flowing into the left ventricle as it should. ASD Primum defects are not very common, often affect a valve as well and do not close without medical intervention. 

On July 16th cedar will undergo open heart surgery to repair her heart. And will spend approximately 2 weeks in the hospital followed be several follow up appointments in Edmonton. 

If there was ever a more terrible time to have your child endure heart surgery it would be during a global pandemic. Due to COVID-19 protocols Cedar will not be able to have any family or friends visit her at the hospital and friends and family will be supporting Jamie and Torlen from afar as they live out every parents nightmare. 

We have started this Go Fund Me to support her parents with the costs of hotel stays (they are on the wait list for the Ronald McDonald House), food and travel during and after Cedars surgery.