Help Seamus and Family Through Heart Surgery

Here’s an update from Sarah on Seamus’ third surgery!

 We have been in the hospital again the past 10 days recovering from a stent to his coronary artery and will have to undergo a pacemaker/ icd implant in the near future . In addition , his life vest that he has to wear is only partially covered by insurance and is over 600 a month. 

Previously;

We are a week into recovery from Seamus’ second open heart surgery. He’s progressing well, off the breathing tube and oxygen, and hopefully we will head to the step down unit soon.

The coronary artery was repaired and the hope is that it will restore blood flow to his damaged heart muscle and that he can eventually get back to his baseline between that and a new medication regiment . It’s going to be a long haul but we are now seeing light at the end of the tunnel. He’s feeling much more like himself today. What a wonderful community !

We honestly can’t thank you enough for your donations and the kindness, generosity , compassion and support that you’ve shown all of us . -Sarah

Update from Gilly; We’ve been so touched and blown away by how incredibly generous and supportive Sarah, Brian, and Seamus’ community have been! You all have made it possible for the family to stay focused on Seamus instead of panicking over making ends meet. That said, I’m keeping the fundraiser going to continue to support the family since they’re not out of the woods yet and could benefit from some continued support if possible. Once again thank you for not just financially assisting them (which has been amazing!) but also for showing them how incredibly loved they are with all the calls, messages, cards, texts, treats, dog visits (Shoutout to Busy and family!) and showing up as a loving community during a really difficult time!

Hello, my name is Gilly and I’m fundraising for the family of Sarah Bennett, Brian Stannard, and their incredible son Seamus who will be facing heart surgery in November.

Famous Seamus has a constellation of congenital heart defects that make up Taussig-Bing anomaly. This set of defects can cause pulmonary valve regurgitation and malposition of the aorta and pulmonary artery. He needs a surgical procedure which is currently slated for November 21st, when a device called a conduit will be placed in his pulmonary artery to direct blood flow from the right ventricle to the pulmonary artery. This will improve and function of the heart and could last for up to 10 years before needing replacement .

This is being done to prevent future issues like his heart overworking and potential heart failure.

Because of his complex anatomy, the medical team has determined that it would actually be safer to do an open heart surgery at this time rather than a trans catheter procedure.

Unfortunately, this means that the recovery time will be longer and discomfort and fatigue will be more intense. It’s a lot to face for anyone but as 12 year old he is facing it with humor and all the good character Seamus charms us with. He’s a special and rare kid who deserves every bit of support we can muster as a community.

He will be in great hands at Stanford Lucille Packard Children’s. His dad Brian will take off 2 weeks of work, and his mom Sarah will take family leave and vacation time until the new year . We don’t know how long he will be in the hospital after surgery but it could be up to three weeks and the rest of the recovery will be at home, so due to the uncertainty meal trains/food assistance won’t be viable for the family. They likely won’t be home until thanksgiving or after.

The money raised will help with paying for food, and off-setting the cost of insurance deductibles as well as making up for lost wages since Sarah will be paid only 60 percent of her wages and must take this time off to be an around the clock caregiver to her sweet kid. the financial impact alone will be a difficult challenge and at least for this portion I’d love to pull the community together to support these wonderful people we are lucky to count as friends.

Thank you for your love and support, any contribution you can make is most graciously welcome.