Hi everyone,

I’m reaching out with a full heart on behalf of my beautiful niece, Alaina — my brother Rocky and my lovely sister-in-law Stacey’s first baby girl. Alaina was diagnosed with Lupus (SLE) back in early 2017, just days before her 14th birthday. Since then, she’s shown incredible strength and grace, facing challenges most of us could never imagine.

Shortly after her diagnosis, Alaina underwent open heart surgery that lasted over 10 hours. At the time, she made the brave decision to choose a temporary fix in the hopes that one day, she might be able to carry a child. Unfortunately, time ran out, and her valve is now failing. She now needs another open-heart surgery. After much discussion and prayer, her doctors at MUSC have decided that the best option is to go forward with a more permanent solution — a mechanical heart valve.

Her surgery was originally scheduled for a few months from now, but due to recent complications (severe oxygen levels to the point of lips turning blue while walking), it has been moved up and is now scheduled for this coming Monday, October 6th.

First and foremost, we’re asking for your prayers, positive thoughts, and good energy during this difficult time. Alaina and her fiancé have just moved into their first home together, and while this should be an exciting new chapter, the unexpected timing of this surgery has left them understandably overwhelmed.

Alaina will be out of work for several weeks — possibly months — as she recovers. We’re hoping to ease some of that burden by raising funds to help cover medical bills, recovery expenses, and everyday essentials so that she can focus entirely on healing. If you are able to give, no matter how small, please know that every bit helps and is deeply appreciated. And even if you’re not in a place to donate, your prayers and kind words mean the world to us.

We are so grateful for the incredible love and support of our family and friends. Please keep our sweet girl in your thoughts as she takes on this next step in her journey. She’s strong, but support makes all the difference.

Will send an update Monday after she gets out of surgery.

With love and gratitude,

Alaina’s Family