Our story began three years ago when I was told my soon-to-be-born baby girl might not live because she has multiple rare congenital heart defects. They gave me three options. 1. Abortion (I was 28 weeks) 2. Take her home and let her die peacefully 3. We can attempt open-heart surgery. Without hesitation, we opted for surgery, and that day, my husband and I vowed to do everything we could to fight for our baby's life. We know God has bigger plans for her.
Over the next 2 1/2 years, Estrella has endured 4 Cardiac procedures, two open-heart surgeries, and two cardiac catheterizations with stent placements.
I can’t even begin to tell you how gut-wrenching it is to leave your child’s fate In Someone that you barely know hands and not To know hour but hour if your child is alive or not. I doubt I’d ever been able to form into words what that feels like entirely. I pray that you never have to find out.
We practically lived In the ICU and Spent many sleepless nights wondering what would become of our baby. Will she recover fully? Will she be able to walk, talk, eat, play, or even make it?
It’s is by the grace of God that our daughter is alive!
Unfortunately, Estrella had recently developed another rare condition called Arterial Venous Malformation in the right side of her lungs. This condition has caused her oxygenated blood to be pulled away from her heart and lungs, and she struggles to breathe. Her cardiologist has informed us that the only resolve is to perform yet another open-heart surgery, which she will have later this month.
Through the many hardships we have endured with our baby's condition, we have been very blessed to have much family and friends to support us through prayer, financial support, and much more.
Hospital stays are rigid and can be very costly. I’ve been through it, am going through it, and have witnessed other families of cardiac babies go through it too.
My goal is to raise enough money to give our heart families a hospital bag with some essentials that are a must, and I know firsthand what those are.
One of the things I will include is a gift card to a local coffee shop because coffee is a must when you are up all day and night.
A night mask because it’s always bright In the hospital and nearly impossible to rest. A cardiac teddy bear and a few other essential items.
Within the hospital, we have a family support group where the families there can get out of the room for a moment to connect, vent, drink some coffee, and recharge. This is where and when I plan to gift our hearts to families.
Although this is a hard time for our family, I want to take this time to be positive and faithful. I know and believe that God will prevail, and our Estrella will live to be a great testimony.
I have to admit that even with all my faith and belief, I still am greatly struggling to come to terms with the fact that my baby has to endure yet another open-heart surgery, so I guess giving back is my way of coping. So with a humble heart, I ask that you support our cause.
OUR GOAL: Provide Heart families with a care package
The Incentive: 1st 50 donations of $50 or more will receive a customer made cardiac charm bracelet!!!
2 Corinthians 9:6-8
Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. And God is able to bless you abundantly, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work.
