Alton James Murray (aka AJ) is a 9 month old loving, happy, sweet baby who was born with a congenital heart defect that was not diagnosed. His parents are Ashley Murray and Steven Brannen. His Mom took him to the Children's Hospital at Memorial on Wednesday, 10/27/21 where he was diagnosed by the ER Physician, Dr. Coleman, within the hour. He was immediately transferred to Egleston Children's Hospital in Atlanta where he underwent emergency surgery to replace his mitral valve. Unfortunately AJ will need to have this surgery again in a little over a year and a few more times until he is old enough to receive an adult size mechanical valve. The surgeons were unable to close his chest after the valve replacement but his chest was finally closed on 11/3/21. He is still intubated and has multiple medicated IV drips to support his heart and body. There is no way to predict an illness or plan for the unexpected costs associated with not only this hospital stay buy others in the future.

This GOFUNDME page has been created for anyone who is interested in donating. The money will be used for medical expenses and other expenses the family will incur during this difficult time. They would appreciate any donations and continuing prayers for this sweet baby's recovery.

UPDATE:

AJ was able to celebrate his 1st birthday, somewhat off the vent in order to be awake during his birthday celebration. His parents got to hold him and spend time with him outside of his hospital crib, and he was showered by love from all of the nurses. Even though he fought and fought his little heart out, I comes bearing sad news, that AJ passed away Tuesday evening, February 8th. He had too much of an infection in his lungs, and his little body could not handle the work load of trying to fight off the infection and keep his heart beating. AJ was surrounded by family, plenty of healthcare workers that worked endlessly over the last 100+ days stood by in honor of him. AJ left this world to become a sweet angel, he left while being loved by his mother and father, knowing that everything would be okay. 

AJ made such an imprint on so many lives of the community, around the world, that he will never be forgotten. 

This gofundme page now will be in support of the family as well as funeral arrangements and any other necessities that the family may need.