Lainey’s Little Heart

During tough times, the support of the community and the kindness of strangers often shine the brightest. Today, we reach out to you on behalf of a young family to be. In the fall of 2023 Taylor Bradley, a counsellor for a small options housing agency and Dylan Rehburg, a member of the Canadian Armed Forces found out they were expecting their first child, a baby girl they’ve named Lainey. Like any parents they were overjoyed with this news, as were their friends and family.

Unfortunately, at their 20 week anatomy scan they were told there was an abnormality with Lainey’s little heart. Further testing would confirm that baby Lainey has a rare and very significant congenital heart defect called Hypoplastic Right Heart Syndrome. This is when parts of the heart do not develop properly or fully. Babies born with this condition will need at least two open heart surgeries during the first few years of life.

Taylor and Dylan along with their families have spent the last few weeks coming to terms with this diagnosis and preparing for the arrival of baby Lainey. Last week they received even more life altering news, baby Lainey’s condition is more severe than originally expected. Lainey will now need to be born in Toronto and cared for by Sick Kids Children’s Hospital. Baby Lainey will need a life saving open heart surgery shortly after birth.

As you can image dealing with this diagnosis and having to make a plan to travel out of province to give birth is an extremely stressful situation. There will be numerous expenses associated with this process and it is unknown how long they will need to be at Sick Kids.

If you are able to donate, no amount is too small. A couple dollars is coffee to break up a long day at the hospital or to pay for parking. Any and all attention you can direct to this cause is also a big help!

Thank you for your support ❤️