Help Melody and Jay Prepare for Amari's Arrival

Hi Everyone, my name is Melody. I am reaching out to build a strong support system as Jay and I approach challenges with our Amari, who will be born in April.

Though she is stable in utero, she has a congenital heart defect with Borderline Left Heart Syndrome. The left side of her heart has developed much smaller than the right side. There is a valve that closes after all babies are born, the valve is the "Ductus Arteriosus". In Amari's case, this valve is compensating by assisting the role of her Aortic Arch which is bottlenecked. Her Aortic Arch is dangerously narrow and cannot supply blood to the rest of her body alone. She will be given "PGE", which is a medication that will keep her Ductus Arteriosus open until her Aortic Arch is repaired. This will happen in open heart surgery.

We were referred to continue my care at the Children's Hospital in Minneapolis. Our Team will continue to monitor Amari's heart and she will be born there. Due to these conditions, Jay and I need to relocate four weeks prior to my due date. We will stay in Minneapolis until Amari is discharged.

We cannot predict the future, but, we can try to prepare for what lies ahead. There are still a variety of events that could happen and result in further expenses, complications and challenges. These may include:

1. Labor before relocation. If this happens, Amari and I will be taken by ambulance or medical helicopter to Children's Hospital in Mpls.

2. If Amari's heart does not continue to develop in utero, she may need further surgeries.

3. Compensation for missed work.

4. Gas expenses.

5. Groceries and food expenses.

6. Unforseen expenses

I want to thank you all for taking the time to read this. Please consider contributing and sharing this fundraiser. We appreciate the support.

Melody, Jay and Amari and Families.