Donation protected
At 27 weeks pregnant, we found out our little girl that we were expecting had CHD (Congenital Heart Defect). We were told that with her diagnosis, if she makes it to term, we could expect her needing multiple surgeries in her first few years of life...the first being when she is just born. Our world was turned upside down. For the next 10 weeks we had fetal echos done every 2 weeks at the local children’s hospital, and growth ultrasounds once a week at maternal fetal medicine to make sure she was still growing as she should and her condition did not deteriorate.
On July 10th, we gave birth to Kaylee weighing in at 8lbs 6oz and 19 inches long. She was absolutely beautiful, and had a full head of hair. The neonatal team was in the room to assess her right away and give her whatever she needed. Once they were done, they whisked her away to the NICU and I didn’t get to see her again until the transport team from the local children’s hospital brought her by to say goodbye to us on their way to taking her to the hospital.
At just 3 days old, she had her first procedure done which was a PA banding (Pulmonary Artery) to help control her blood flow since she was getting too much to her lungs and not enough to her body. That went great!
At one week old, Kaylee had her first open heart surgery. A surgery that was only supposed to take 2-3 hours ended up taking 12 hours long. The doctor experienced many complications that he didn’t expect, the main one being that he could not repair her aortic valve and he ended up having to replace it. The next 48 hours were critical, and she was placed on an ECMO machine for 3 days to help her little heart recover.
As of today Kaylee is staying strong and recovering well. The doctors have been happy with her progress which has been slow but steady. We still aren’t sure what other struggles she may face after being in a 12 hour surgery, but this little girl is a fighter!
Out of the kindness of your hearts, please consider making a donation to help lessen the financial burden we face as many bills have started to come in. Unfortunately, I do not receive a paid maternity leave and we are unsure of how long I may be out of work to take care of Kaylee. We are aware that money is tight for everyone, but even the smallest amount can help.
Your donations will help pay for Kaylee’s continued medical care and upcoming surgeries. They will also help cover the expense of household bills due to missed time from work, travel, and many other associated expenses.
You can also help by sharing our story on social media with friends and family.
We appreciate everyone’s love, support, and prayers that we have received. If you would like to follow Kaylee’s story, you can join our group.
https://m.facebook.com/groups/259773361252157
Kaylee is going to beat CHD! #kayleestrong
On July 10th, we gave birth to Kaylee weighing in at 8lbs 6oz and 19 inches long. She was absolutely beautiful, and had a full head of hair. The neonatal team was in the room to assess her right away and give her whatever she needed. Once they were done, they whisked her away to the NICU and I didn’t get to see her again until the transport team from the local children’s hospital brought her by to say goodbye to us on their way to taking her to the hospital.
At just 3 days old, she had her first procedure done which was a PA banding (Pulmonary Artery) to help control her blood flow since she was getting too much to her lungs and not enough to her body. That went great!
At one week old, Kaylee had her first open heart surgery. A surgery that was only supposed to take 2-3 hours ended up taking 12 hours long. The doctor experienced many complications that he didn’t expect, the main one being that he could not repair her aortic valve and he ended up having to replace it. The next 48 hours were critical, and she was placed on an ECMO machine for 3 days to help her little heart recover.
As of today Kaylee is staying strong and recovering well. The doctors have been happy with her progress which has been slow but steady. We still aren’t sure what other struggles she may face after being in a 12 hour surgery, but this little girl is a fighter!
Out of the kindness of your hearts, please consider making a donation to help lessen the financial burden we face as many bills have started to come in. Unfortunately, I do not receive a paid maternity leave and we are unsure of how long I may be out of work to take care of Kaylee. We are aware that money is tight for everyone, but even the smallest amount can help.
Your donations will help pay for Kaylee’s continued medical care and upcoming surgeries. They will also help cover the expense of household bills due to missed time from work, travel, and many other associated expenses.
You can also help by sharing our story on social media with friends and family.
We appreciate everyone’s love, support, and prayers that we have received. If you would like to follow Kaylee’s story, you can join our group.
https://m.facebook.com/groups/259773361252157
Kaylee is going to beat CHD! #kayleestrong
Organizer
Christina Marie Lavin
Organizer
Wilmington, DE