Hi Everyone,

My name is Leeyel, and I’m writing this on behalf of my best friend Ellie and her incredible daughter, Ariyah.

Ellie and I have been best friends for over 26 years. I’ve watched her become an amazing mother to two beautiful children, Elijah and Ariyah. Today I’m asking for support for one of the strongest little girls I know.

Ariyah is 9 years old and has spent her entire life living with complex congenital heart disease. She was born with multiple heart defects, including coarctation of the aorta, a hypoplastic transverse aortic arch, a bicuspid aortic valve, and a parachute mitral valve with regurgitation.

For years, Ellie trusted the medical advice she was given and did everything she was told to do for her daughter. But despite Ariyah continuing to struggle with symptoms like extreme fatigue, dizziness, leg pain, and circulation issues, something in Ellie’s heart told her there had to be more to the story.

After years of being told things were manageable, Ellie made the difficult decision to seek further answers outside of Canada and brought Ariyah to specialists in Michigan for additional evaluation.

That decision changed everything.

The team there conducted extensive testing and discovered that Ariyah’s condition was far more complex and severe than previously understood. After reviewing her case, a team of cardiologists and surgeons came to a unanimous decision that Ariyah requires major open-heart surgery to repair her heart and reconstruct her aorta.

This procedure — called a complete transverse arch reconstruction and coarctation repair — is a serious operation that will require a lengthy hospital stay and months of recovery.

Despite everything her heart has faced since birth, Ariyah continues to live life with courage and joy.

She is a dedicated competitive cheerleader who trains and performs with incredible determination. She practices alongside her teammates, travels to competitions, and pushes through physical exhaustion that most people never see. Behind the bright smiles and powerful performances is a little girl whose heart works much harder than it should.

Ariyah also has an incredibly generous spirit. She loves supporting others, spreading positivity, and lifting up those around her. Her resilience and kindness inspire everyone who knows her.

As Ariyah prepares for this life-saving surgery, Ellie will be by her side every step of the way.

Between medical travel, hospital stays, recovery time, and the need for Ellie to take time away from work so she can care for Ariyah during recovery, the financial burden will be significant.

If you know Ellie, you know she is one of the most selfless people there is. She has always been the one supporting others, helping friends, and giving to her community. Asking for help is not something that comes easily to her, but right now her only focus is making sure Ariyah has the care and support she needs.

This fundraiser is meant to help ease the financial pressure so Ellie can focus on what matters most — her daughter’s healing and recovery.

Funds raised will help support:

• Surgery costs not covered by insurance, travel and hospital expenses

• Recovery-related costs and follow-up care

• Time off work so Ellie can stay home with Ariyah during recovery

• Basic living expenses while their family focuses on healing

Ariyah is one of the bravest kids I know. She continues to chase her dreams, cheer on her teammates, and inspire everyone around her even while facing something so big.

If you are able to donate, share, or send prayers and encouragement, it would mean the world to this family.

Thank you for supporting this incredible little heart warrior.

With love and gratitude,

Leeyel