Heartbeats of Hope: Support baby Sayge's fight

Sayge passed peacefully on 6/13. While her funeral costs have been covered, donations will now help provide a beautiful tombstone in her memory. Thank you for reading her story and sharing your love with her family.

Welcome to Sayge's fundraising campaign, where we come together to support a little warrior with an extraordinary heart. Sayge came into this world on November 28, 2023, at Carolina Medical Center in Charlotte, NC, with a congenital heart defect known as heterotaxy, meaning her heart resides on the right side of her chest. From her very first breath, Sayge embarked on a remarkable journey, facing challenges with strength and resilience beyond her years.

Shortly after birth, Sayge was admitted to the NICU at Levine Children's Hospital, where medical teams diligently worked to understand the complexities of her condition. At just five days old, Sayge began to struggle with breathing, prompting the need for urgent intervention. Doctors diagnosed her with severe tracheomalacia, a condition causing constant obstruction of her airway, alongside other complications typical of heterotaxy syndrome, including the absence of a spleen, right-sided stomach, and intestinal malrotation.

At eight days old, Sayge underwent open-heart surgery, a pulmonary artery/aortic collateral reunification procedure, to address her heart defects. The road to recovery was arduous, marked by days filled with tubes and machines supporting her fragile body. Despite the challenges, Sayge's spirit remained unyielding.

Throughout her journey, Sayge has endured multiple procedures and surgeries, including the placement of a G-tube and a tracheoplasty to alleviate her airway obstruction. Each step forward has been met with unwavering determination, but the path ahead remains daunting.

Currently, Sayge faces the need for further specialized care, including a tracheoplasty procedure at either Boston Children's Hospital or Johns Hopkins All Children's Hospital in Tampa, Florida, to provide her with the best chance of breathing without assistance. This necessitates travel out of state, adding financial strain to an already challenging situation.

Sayge’s journey has touched the hearts of many, leading her to be recognized as Ronald McDonalds Heart Baby of the Month, a testament to her strength and resilience.

After Sayge was born, her parents were offered a room at Ronald McDonald House to stay while she's in the hospital, providing much-needed support during this challenging time. With the upcoming out-of-state surgery, they must leave the Ronald McDonald House and find a hotel near the hospital, adding to their already mounting expenses. Unfortunately, their financial situation is dire. Since Sayge's birth, they've been unable to work and face numerous out-of-pocket expenses, including flights, transportation, and medical bills. The burden of their living conditions exacerbates their struggle; their current home, plagued by neglect and hazardous conditions from a negligent landlord, is unfit for a newborn's care. Marilee, Sayge's older sister, is unable to be with them due to the situation, further straining the family's emotional toll. They desperately need financial assistance to not only cover medical expenses but also to secure a safe and stable home for Sayge's future. Your donation, no matter the size, will provide essential support in ensuring Sayge receives the care and environment she deserves.

Now, more than ever, Sayge's family needs our support. Your generous contributions will not only help cover the overwhelming medical expenses associated with Sayge's care but also provide much-needed relief as they navigate the challenges ahead. Every donation, no matter the size, makes a difference in Sayge's journey toward healing and in providing her with a safe and nurturing environment to thrive.

Join us in rallying around Sayge, a beacon of hope and resilience, as we come together to support her brave heart and courageous spirit. Together, we can make a difference in the life of this remarkable little fighter.

Thank you for your kindness, generosity, and unwavering support.