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Help Baby Woodrow’s Brave Heart Beat Strong

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Dear friends, family, and compassionate supporters,

We are reaching out on behalf of our beloved Shannon and Travis, who are preparing for a journey no parent ever expects. Their sweet baby boy, Woody, due on March 16th, has been diagnosed with a rare congenital heart defect called Hypoplastic Left Heart Syndrome (HLHS). This condition means the left side of Woody’s heart is underdeveloped and cannot properly pump blood.

To give Woody the chance to live a full and vibrant life, he will need three complex open-heart surgeries. This is an overwhelming road ahead, but Shannon and Travis are facing it with incredible strength and determination.

Woody’s Brave Journey

1. First Surgery: Within his first or second week of life.

2. Second Surgery: Between 3 and 6 months old.

3. Third Surgery: Around his second or third year of life.


The first step is relocating temporarily to Toronto so Woody can be born near SickKids Hospital, where he will receive critical care and undergo his first surgery. This means Shannon and Travis will need to uproot their lives for weeks at a time while managing the financial and emotional challenges of ensuring Woody gets the care he needs.

How You Can Help

We are asking for your help to support Shannon, Travis, and baby Woody through this difficult time. Your contributions will go toward:

• Relocation Expenses & Income loss: An 8-week stay in Toronto for Woody’s birth, first surgery, and recovery; Instead of having just one parent off on government maternity leave benefits now both parents will be off on government leave benefits.

• Follow-up Appointments: Weekly and bi-weekly trips to Toronto and McMaster Hospital during Woody’s first year.

• Medical Supplies: Feeding tube supplies, with an initial cost of $300–$500 and monthly expenses of $200.

• Second Surgery: A 4–6 week stay in Toronto when Woody is 3–6 months old.

• Travel Costs: Gas, parking, and accommodations for numerous medical appointments and hospital stays.


Why Your Support Matters

Shannon and Travis are devoted parents who are doing everything in their power to give Woody the best chance at a healthy future. While advancements in HLHS surgeries offer hope, every case is unique, and the journey will be challenging. Easing their financial burden will allow them to focus on what matters most—being there for Woody every step of the way.

Your love, prayers, and generosity mean everything to this family. Whether you can make a donation, share this story, or simply send positive thoughts their way, every act of kindness makes a difference.

Together, We Can Help Baby Woody Thrive

Shannon and Travis have always given so much love and light to those around them. Now it’s our turn to support them as they navigate this unimaginable journey. Let’s come together to help Baby Woody fight for his brave little heart and show this family they are not alone.

From the bottom of our hearts, thank you for being part of Woody’s story. Please share this page with others who might want to help.

With gratitude and love,

Allison, Brenda, and Erica (On behalf of Shannon, Travis, and Baby Woody)

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    Co-organizers (3)

    Erica Mattia
    Organizer
    St. Catharines, ON
    Shannon Duggan
    Beneficiary
    Allison Duggan
    Co-organizer
    Brenda Lihou
    Co-organizer

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