Help Willow Fight for a Healthy Heart

A Mother’s Fight for Her Son’s Heart

This is Willow.

He just turned 2 years old on May 19—a milestone many parents take for granted. For Malinda, it was a celebration of a miracle. Because for the past two years, almost every single breath her son has taken has been a fight for survival.

Born with serious heart defect, Willow has already endured open heart surgery, countless complications, and more than half his life in a hospital room. He has hovered at death’s door more times than his mother could ever prepare for. And yet—he’s still here.

This little warrior lives.

He smiles. He reaches for his mama.

He holds onto hope the only way a two-year-old can—by waking up each day and trusting that the world is still worth fighting for.

Malinda has been by his side for every second. She hasn’t been able to work—because her job, her purpose, her every waking moment, has been caring for Willow. She’s learned medical terms no mother should have to know. She’s slept upright in chairs. She’s held his hand through the darkest nights. She is his anchor, his advocate, and his greatest source of love.

And now, they face their biggest challenge yet.

Willow’s heart is failing again.

This is what Malinda wrote on her FB page June 30th. Day 17 at Mayo:

“What the discussions look like now :

Are they able to replace the aortic valve and buy him some time , or will they have to go in and redo the patch underneath the valve that was just done in December ?

If they have to redo the patch because of narrowing, will it be worth it to put Willow through that not knowing how much time that will buy him ? Will his body be able to keep enduring surgery after surgery ?

The transplant conversation has been circling around a lot these past couple of weeks. Is transplant our next option ? Does he qualify for a transplant ? With his body size and his blood type, how long will it take for a heart to be available for him ? Probably 6 months to a year, possibly longer. Will it be a successful surgery ? Will his body accept the new heart ?”

Now, they need us.

Malinda has poured every ounce of herself into saving her son’s life. We can help carry some of that weight. Your donation—no matter the size—goes toward medical bills, travel expenses, housing, and daily living costs that pile up when a mother is forced to choose between a paycheck and her child’s heartbeat.

More than anything, your support says: You are not alone.

Please give if you can. Share if you will. And pray for Willow’s heart to keep beating.

Because love like this deserves a fighting chance. Because Willow deserves many more birthdays.