My friend's 3-month-old son, Ren, was born with Pulmonary Atresia and an additional hole between the chambers of his heart. This rare condition, affecting only 1 in 10,000 births, means Ren’s pulmonary artery didn’t develop properly. It is severe and requires a highly specialized surgery called pulmonary atresia reconstruction—sometimes more than one—to give him a chance at survival. The world-renowned facility for these complicated surgeries is Stanford Medicine of Children’s Health in Stanford, CA. Ren’s parents, Caitlyn and Nick, had insurance, but coverage for congenital heart defects was exhausted in the first three months of the twins’ lives at Children’s Mercy, and now they owe far more than they ever imagined.

The family needs help with both past and future medical expenses, as well as travel and lodging costs for Ren’s care at Stanford. Children’s Mercy recommended this facility because of their specialized experience with this particular surgery. Every donation will go directly toward helping Ren get the lifesaving care he needs, supporting his family as they travel to California and face the challenges ahead.

This family is truly special. Their faith in God, their love for others, and their constant kindness to everyone around them have always inspired me. They are the first to show up for others in times of need, and now I want to rally support for them as they face this difficult journey. If you feel moved to help, please consider donating or sharing this fundraiser. Your support, prayers, and kindness mean the world to this family. Thank you for helping us show up for them, just as they have always shown up for so many others.