Hi, my name is Annabelle and I'm fundraising for my dearest friends, Michelle & Matthew Thomas' sweet baby girl, Skyler.

Skyler is a sweet little miracle baby born with trisomy 21. Originally, Skyler was expected to endure routine heart surgery to repair a hole in her heart in a few weeks. In preparation for heart surgery, she recently had her Pre-op CATH procedure. Well, the CATH gave a better picture of what is going on in her heart than the ECHOS she’s been routinely getting. Matt & Michelle learned that Skyler also has Pulmonary Vein Stenosis-(PVS). PVS is an aggressive-progressive disease where the pulmonary veins continue to narrow and stop blood flow from the lungs to the heart. This discovery has complicated Skyler's case severely. PVS is an extremely rare disease, especially given her scenario - most cases maybe have 1 or 2 veins narrowing, but 4 of Skyler's 5 are rapidly narrowing. This has made Skyler's case more of a priority and extremely high risk. Now this family needs to fight an additional disease with a high mortality rate.

Her care team is working together to formulate a plan to save her life. They are lucky to have a PVS expert on her team- as most doctors consider this a death sentence and offer comfort care/hospice instead of treatment. They are trying to be as aggressive as possible and fight for Skyler- which will require A LOT of procedures. Thankfully, Skyler is still not showing any symptoms of either condition. She still acts as happy as can be, and her parents are beyond grateful she’s still too young to realize how this upsetting news affects them.

As much as Matt & Michelle need our prayers, positive vibes, and a strong medical team. This fundraiser is an attempt to help them as their bills keep stacking above their heads, hopefully along with the help of others who love this amazing family and strangers from afar.

If you know this family--you already know they also care for many animals at their tortoise ranch, whilst running a well-known exotic pet store. They've helped so many animals find their forever homes & brought joy to so many families. Please consider helping them fight the damn fight to keep baby Skyler alive and at home.

Much love.

Update 2/21:

Skyler Update- given the new diagnosis of PVS (pulmonary vein stenosis) Skyler's original surgeon in San Diego is not going to do Skylers surgery because it’s too high risk. Skyler is being referred to a surgeon at UCLA and her surgery will take place there- The Thomas' just received the news and have to wait for the referral process and all her scans/records/test results to be forwarded to the new Dr. Michelle is grateful he is willing to take her case and to not have to travel out of state- but hoping and praying to get a new surgery date sooner than later. Thank you all for your continued support, love, prayers and donations. It truly takes a village and we are beyond grateful for ours.

*donation goal an undetermined amount