Esme Donado

Our names are Ryan and Ashley Reather and we are putting together this GoFundMe page to help our niece Esme Donado.

Esme Donado came fighting into this world on February 10, 2021. Born with heterotaxy, her heart, lungs, stomach, and liver were formed flipped inside her body. Her unique congenitally corrected heart wouldn't sustain a long life. At three months of age Esme was sent to Lucile Packard Children's Hospital in Stanford, California. There she underwent several PA band procedures before undergoing a double switch open heart surgery with a Ventricular septal defect closure. That procedure has allowed Esme to live a relatively normal toddler life up until recently when she was admitted into the ICU and diagnosed plastic bronchitis. For the past 7 weeks she has bounced in and out of ICU. The common cold can put immense stress on her heart. So, something this severe has been extremely challenging for Esme. The strength in this little girl is beyond measure. She has been a pro while being poked, prodded, and endured painful, but necessary procedures. Esme will need six treatments a day to help her breathe until the leakage in her lungs is stopped. This is a unique and specialized surgery that is complicated. As doctors are still discussing the best treatment it is likely Esme will need to go back to Stanford to undergo the procedure to stop the leakage causing the plastic bronchitis. She currently needs consistent supply of electricity for her treatments. It is likely Esme will eventually (we pray miles down the road) need a heart transplant. She was given this life because she is strong enough to fight for it. A true heart hero.

Thankfully, Esme's family has medical insurance, but of course it doesn't cover everything associated. Esme's parents are splitting time between working overtime, taking turns staying up at the hospital at night, and taking care of Esme's older brother, Ike. Any donation is so greatly appreciated. This will help the family with the burden of hospital stays and transfers, medication to aid with breathing, oxygen supply, shaky vest, generator and an oxygen monitoring sock.

Thank you for your compassion, generosity, and kindness.