Princess Ava's Heart Fund
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Ava was born with a severe congenital heart defect called pulmonary atresia, a defect in which the pulmonary valve is completely closed and unable to send oxygenated blood throughout her body. Ava underwent heart surgery a day after she was born to open the valve, however, her heart suffered many complications including an enlarged atrium, severe leaking in various valves, and constant arrhythmias. Ava needed oxygen and multiple medications for the first six months of her life to keep her body functioning. Ava also requires the constant supervision of a cardiologist and continues to be at high risk for complications from illnesses due to her condition.
Ava’s cardiologists hoped to replace her pulmonary valve when she was 10-12 years old, however, just after Ava turned four, it was decided that she needed to have the valve replaced immediately. In August 2014, Ava received her new pulmonary valve at Primary Children’s Medical Center in Salt Lake City, Utah. The surgery went well, but recovery was especially difficult for Ava. Ava suffered a severe reaction to the anesthesia from surgery, developed arrhythmias, and had a severe bleed in her femoral artery.
We are pleased that her surgery went well, but now must begin planning for another heart surgery next year to close a hole in her heart. Her new pulmonary valve should last 8-10 years before she needs another and we pray that new technology will allow for a more permanent solution to this devastating disease.
Ava’s care has placed a great financial strain on our family. While we have health insurance, we are left with an enormous amount of out-of-pocket expenses. We are hoping that by sharing her story, we can spread awareness of congenital heart disease while raising funds to cover Ava’s continual health care expenses.
Ava’s cardiologists hoped to replace her pulmonary valve when she was 10-12 years old, however, just after Ava turned four, it was decided that she needed to have the valve replaced immediately. In August 2014, Ava received her new pulmonary valve at Primary Children’s Medical Center in Salt Lake City, Utah. The surgery went well, but recovery was especially difficult for Ava. Ava suffered a severe reaction to the anesthesia from surgery, developed arrhythmias, and had a severe bleed in her femoral artery.
We are pleased that her surgery went well, but now must begin planning for another heart surgery next year to close a hole in her heart. Her new pulmonary valve should last 8-10 years before she needs another and we pray that new technology will allow for a more permanent solution to this devastating disease.
Ava’s care has placed a great financial strain on our family. While we have health insurance, we are left with an enormous amount of out-of-pocket expenses. We are hoping that by sharing her story, we can spread awareness of congenital heart disease while raising funds to cover Ava’s continual health care expenses.
Organizer
Chandra Adams
Organizer
Lehi, UT
