Wesley Telep is a five-month-old baby who has shown incredible strength since before he was born. His heart condition was discovered while his mom was still pregnant, and he's been fighting ever since. Wesley had his first heart surgery at just four days old and has endured multiple heart and abdominal surgeries in his short life. He's spent nearly all of his time in the ICU, with only a brief stay in the step-down unit, as his family waits for the call that a heart is available for transplant. We recently learned that a heart transplant is now Wesley's only option, after hoping for a different path. He will be waiting in the ICU until there is a heart available for him.

Wesley's parents have shown extraordinary strength and selflessness throughout this journey. As first-time parents, they have faced every setback with courage and determination, always putting Wesley's needs above their own. They drive to the hospital every day, facing costs for gas, parking, and mounting hospital bills, while also preparing their home and cars with adaptive equipment to make sure Wesley has everything he needs when he finally comes home. With Wesley's dad back at work, his mom spends most days alone at the hospital, supporting Wesley through every challenge. Their love and commitment are unwavering, even as they ask for less than they truly deserve.

A portion of the funds raised will be donated to the American Heart Association, in recognition of the vital role that medical research has played in Wesley's survival. With federal funding cuts, donations to organizations like the AHA are more important than ever. The hope for Wesley is that, after his transplant, he'll be able to start living a more typical childhood—joining in activities he's missed so far and working with physical, occupational, and speech therapists to help him thrive. Every donation will help cover medical expenses, travel costs, adaptive equipment, and support life-saving research. Your support means the world to our family as we help Wesley fight for his future.