The Story

On May 21, 2025, Nichole and CJ became parents to a beautiful baby boy named Bennett. Bennett had to be delivered at MUSC in Charleston, four hours from their home. While they knew before birth that Bennett had a serious heart condition - Tetralogy of Fallot (TOF), a congenital heart defect that is comprised of four heart defects, they were no less excited about the birth of their son.

After delivery he spent the first two weeks of life in the NICU at MUSC, connected to monitors, IVs, and cords. Bennett was sent home and they were told to treat him like a normal baby, but to watch out for signs of him having a TET spell. This is where babies with Tetralogy of Fallot can suddenly develop deep blue or gray skin, nails, and lips. This usually happens when the baby cries, eats or is upset. These spells are caused by a rapid drop in the amount of oxygen in the blood being supplied to the lungs. They were told to follow up with the Cardiologist every few weeks until he’s big enough to receive open heart surgery.

Nichole and CJ finally got to hold their son freely, without wires, soaking in those beautiful moments as a new family. However, their joy, was short lived. Nothing could prepare them for the emotional and physical rollercoaster that followed.

The Setback

On June 16, Bennett experienced a frightening TET spell, and as a result he was airlifted back to MUSC in Charleston, for evaluation.

Thankfully, he was stabilized, and his care team is now working to manage his condition with beta blockers to slow his heart and prevent further TET spells. The goal is to delay surgery until Bennett is 4–6 months old, when he’ll be stronger and better able to recover. But the timeline depends entirely on how well Bennett responds to the treatment.

Why We Need Your Help

Nichole and CJ are facing this crisis far from home, with mounting emotional stress and growing financial strain. Your donation will help cover:

This journey has been heartbreaking, but Bennett is a fighter. And Nichole and CJ are doing everything in their power to stay strong for him.

How You Can Help

Donate – Every dollar makes a difference and brings them one step closer to healing.

Share – Please spread this story to your friends, family, and community.

Pray – If you’re unable to give, please lift this sweet family in your thoughts and prayers.

Thank You

From the bottom of our hearts, thank you for reading Bennett’s story and supporting this amazing family. Your kindness gives them the strength and hope to keep going, one heartbeat at a time.

With love and gratitude,

Viviana (Nichole's cousin)

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