In Memory of MaeLeigh: Support for Her Family

My name is Ruby Larr and I am the sister of Gerrett Hooker. I am raising money on behalf of Gerrett and Destinee Hooker. Gerrett and Destinee lost their beautiful baby girl, MaeLeigh, on April 23rd, 2025, due to complications of a heart surgery.

MaeLeigh was born prematurely on June 23, 2024, at 32 weeks, 5 days, with a congenital heart condition in which the ventricles in her heart were flipped. She also had a hole in her heart. We knew from the start that at some point Mae would need a pacemaker put in her heart, and that later on (in a couple of years) she would likely need major heart surgery.

On April 22nd, 2025, Mae went to Devos for surgery to have the

pacemaker placed in her heart. We, of course, knew there were risks associated with the surgery, but never anticipated what was to come. The surgery itself went well and MaeLeigh was doing well in recovery. Less than 12 hours later, MaeLeigh went into cardiac arrest. The doctors were able to get her stable again, and then, despite all of their efforts to remedy the situation, they were unable to save her.

MaeLeigh was a happy, easy-going, well-loved, and smiley baby who turned 10 months old today before going home to Heaven.

I am raising funds to help Gerrett and Destinee cover the cost of MaeLeigh's arrangements, as the loss of a child is enough of a burden to carry on its own without the financial obligation.

If you are unable to donate, I ask that you please share. Thank you for your time.