After receiving the heartbreaking news that my unborn grandson has severe congenital heart disease, I felt compelled to take the lead and ask our community for support during this unimaginable time.

At 20 weeks pregnant, my daughter Erin and her husband Zac attended what they believed would be a routine ultrasound, resulted in a referral to a cardiologist in London. During that appointment at 23 weeks, they received the unexpected news that their baby has a complex and serious heart condition that will require immediate intervention at birth.

Their baby has been diagnosed with severe congenital heart disease (CHD), involving multiple structural issues with his heart:

• Transposition of the arteries (TBS) – the major arteries are reversed

• Ventricular septal defect (VSD) – a hole in the heart

• Pulmonary stenosis (PS) – a narrowed valve and blood vessel

Due to the level of care required, the baby must be delivered at The Hospital for Sick Children in Toronto. Open heart surgery will be performed immediately after birth, followed by a second surgery approximately 2-3 months later. Their baby is expected to remain hospitalized for 4 weeks or more. Once it is safe for their baby to come home, he will require ongoing cardiology follow-ups for the foreseeable future.

Erin was forced to take an early leave from work and Zac will also need to take time away from work to be present for the birth, surgeries, and recovery.

Our goal reflects the immediate and ongoing costs of:

• Lost wages during extended hospital stays

• Hotel accommodations near the hospital

• Gas and transportation

• Meals while away from home

Ronald McDonald House may be an option for lodging, but availability is not guaranteed and many additional expenses will still be incurred during this time.

Our greatest hope is that Erin and Zac can focus entirely on their baby’s care, healing, and strength—without the added weight of financial stress. Any support, whether through a donation, a share, words of encouragement, or prayers, is deeply appreciated and means more to our family than we can possibly express ❤️