Little AVA’s Open Heart Surgery/Medical Support

Ava is a fun-loving, rambunctious 4 year old with a larger than life personality. Big sister to two brothers(Blaze and Cloud) She continues to push past obstacles, showing us the strong victorious little superhero that she is. Pregnancy On July 15,2015, after many challenges surrounding pregnancy, we were beyond elated to find out we were having a baby.We were given the news that Ava would be born with a rare Heart Disease called, HypoPlastic Left Heart Syndrome (born with half of a heart), at only 14 weeks of . It was then it was suggested that we terminate the pregnancy. Not knowing where this journey would lead us, we refused, and decided to trust God. Birth Our Beautiful Ava came into this world on Friday, February 5, 2016 @ 9:52pm (6lb 7oz). She was immediately rushed off, with out having even been held or seen by her parents, into NICU. She was incubated and placed on intense monitoring. First Open Heart Surgery(Norwood Procedure) Only days after birth, Ava was transported via medical escort from INOVA Fairfax Hospital to The Children’s National Hospital in Washington,DC. On February 15,2016 At only 10 days old Ava had her First Open Heart Surgery(Performed by Dr. Pranava Sinha, MD). During her recovery in this period, Ava coded once(Her heart stopped and she needed reviving). She pushed through and her first 2 months of life was spent in the hospital during this time. Second Open Heart Surgery(Glen Procedure) On June 28,2016 at 4 months old Ava underwent the cardiac procedure that would help her up until around toddler age. For this surgery she had her shortest recovery period of about two week. Life With Ava Up until this point, life had been a wonderful journey of fun and enjoyment shared with her family. She lived with a great deal of normalcy. She loves to dance, play, and smile. Because of her bright and lovable personality Ava has been coined “Our Little Heart Warrior Princess”. She helped to welcome her two younger brothers, Blaze(2017) and Cloud(2018), in whom she loves to spend time with. Third Open Heart Surgery(Fontan Procedure) This surgery was scheduled and performed on Dec 11th, 2019(Also performed by Dr.Sinha, MD) This procedure reroutes the flow of blood from her heart in a way that is conducive with her growth into adulthood. According to the surgeon, without this procedure, she would have a 0% chance of survival into her early adulthood. Also, for many HLHS patients, the first(Norwood) and third(Fontan) have the most intense recovery. Fourth Revision Surgery After almost being release from the hospital, post what was to be her last and final surgery(Fontan), Ava experienced some major unexpected complications on and around Christmas Eve. These complication caused Ava to need at least two Cardiac Catheterizations procedures and One Open Heart revision surgery. Recovery Having been in-patient at The Children’s National Hospital for over 9 Weeks, Ava continues to persevere and overcome every obstacles that presents itself. During this time, she has only been able to see her brothers twice. Ava is getting better by the moment and with our faith in God, she is nothing short of a champion. Medical Expenses Medical Bills from surgeries, doctors appointments, lengthy hospital stays, medication, and supplies continue to find us. The bills are stacking up by the day. Although we have always had medical insurance, it only covers a greater percentage the total expenses accrued that would otherwise total in the millions. The goal amount does not included totals from her most current(& longest) hospital stay, as we have yet to receive the bills. We have already started paying off some of her bills received after her first surgery, but we have so many more to go. We decided to share Ava’s journey this go around to encourage and inspire others to overcome their own life’s obstacles by being bold, resilient, and never giving up, just as Ava continues to show us all every day. Our family loves Ava so much. We thank you in advance for your generous support, kind thoughts, and prayers, as we care for Ava. CashApp: $AvasNewHeart