Many of you know my niece, Harriett (Hattie as we like to call her), but not everyone knows her story. Hattie is the happiest girl in the world, always smiling and always laughing. Hattie has two older brothers, Emmett and Odis, and a twin sister, Henrietta. Hattie was born with complex heterotaxy as well as several heart defects (AV canal defect, double outlet right ventricle, malposed great arteries, and an Interrupted IVC). She has been a fighter from day one- She spent her first 47 days in the NICU and had an emergency surgery at just 4 days old to remove her appendix and fix an intestinal obstruction. When she was 4 months old, following her first cardiac catheterization, she coded and thankfully, her medical team was able to revive her and get a pulse back. Needless to say, she has already been through more than any 1 year old should.

On Monday, November 10th, Hattie is scheduled to have open heart surgery to correct her various heart defects. The surgical plan is a biventricular repair with a possible Kawashima procedure and/or any associated procedures her surgical team deems necessary; In an attempt to repair her heart well enough to avoid needing a heart transplant.

My sister, Dakota is a middle school teacher and her partner, Austin is a welder, both work full time but will have to take an undetermined amount of time off due to Hattie’s surgery and recovery period.

If you know Dakota or Austin, you know neither of them like asking for help but are always the first people to offer to help others. I have created this page to rally support around my sister and her family while they focus on the only thing that matters: getting Hattie safely through surgery and home.

Even with insurance, the out-of-pocket costs and time away from work are heavy. My hope is this page and your support can give them breathing room to focus on her healing. All donations will go towards Hattie’s medical bills, lost wages from their time off and some of the day-to-day costs that come from caring for their other three children during this time.

If you are able to donate, I would be eternally grateful, no amount is too small. Times are hard for everyone right now, and I understand if you are unable to donate, but please share this page with your community, church, coworkers, and friends.

Hattie is the happiest little girl, brave beyond her years, and her parents have done everything possible to give her the care she needs. From the bottom of my heart- Thank you for standing with Hattie and this family.

We’ll post updates as we have them following surgery.