Keep Baby Charlie Warm!

Story

Little Charlie (Charlotte) was born on November 3rd, Election Day, 10 days past her due date. Apparently, she wanted her voice to be heard in her own way and in her own time - 8 lbs. 10 oz.! and 20 inches long. Dina and Mo (the proud parents) are both social workers in the Treasure Valley - not a profession you are in to make the big bucks! As their friend, I can tell you, these two are motivated, selfless and loving; they inspire those around them daily. They are individually, incredible people, and together, something truly special.Having Charlie was a joyous moment and they were giddy to take her home. Unfortunately, Charlie's time at home was short lived, when on November 16th, they brought her to the ER with a fever. Doctors diagnosed her with a coarctation of the aorta, total anomalous pulmonary venous return (TAPVR) and three holes in the lower chamber of her heart; subsequently she was flown to Rady's Children's Hospital in San Diego, CA for open heart surgery. Two intensive heart surgeries later, this little trooper is defying the odds. Her heart is recovering beautifully and she makes great strides daily. Yay! However, last week, there was a hiccup in recovery when it was discovered that one of her vocal chords was paralyzed during a surgery. This means that she will need to have a permanent GI tube inserted from which she will get her nutrients until her body (hopefully) heals the paralysis or she is old enough to have the procedure to repair it. Thankfully, Charlie is well-insured and it appears that the medical bills will be nominal compared to what the costs of the hospitalization and procedures add up to.Here is the deal though, Dina and Mo do not have central heat in their home. And we all know, an Idaho winter without central heat, is not  comfortable winter! Plus, Charlie's immune system will be compromised for a long time to come - she needs a warm home.Currently, it looks like, in the best case scenario, Dina and Charlie will be home in January. Dina's paid maternity leave ends at the end of this month. Mo is back in Idaho now, working to make money to cover the bills and save for central heat installation. Let's help them out! And maybe even get Mo back to San Diego to have Christmas with his adorable family. Donate what you can - anything will help. It all adds up!This is something that Dina and Mo would never ask for, for themselves, but, I have no doubt that they would help anyone in a similar situation. Let's show them some cheer and send lots of love during this holiday season - keep Charlie warm!