My sister, Latifah, and her husband, Lydell, are facing every parent’s worst nightmare. I am asking our community to help support their family as they continue showing up for Lola and face the challenges ahead together.

By just 8 months old, my niece, Lolana (“Lola”), had already endured more than most people will face in a lifetime. Born with Tetralogy of Fallot, a congenital heart defect, Lola has been a fighter since the day she entered this world.

In late May 2026, what first appeared to be a respiratory illness quickly became a life-threatening cardiac emergency. After several days in the hospital, Lola’s condition suddenly worsened, requiring emergency intervention and a helicopter transfer to a specialized pediatric cardiac center in Rochester, New York.

After extensive testing and treatment in Rochester, Lola was transferred to a highly specialized pediatric heart center in New York City, where her medical team determined that she will need a heart transplant.

As she waits for a donor heart, Lola will receive a Ventricular Assist Device (VAD), a mechanical pump that will help support her heart while she awaits transplant. Because of her age and the specialized care she requires, Lola must remain hospitalized until a suitable donor heart is found. While no one knows exactly how long the wait will be, doctors have shared that it could be a year or longer.

This journey means more time away from home and mounting expenses with frequent trips to be by Lola’s side, while the family works to balance travel, caregiving responsibilities, and maintaining as much normalcy as possible for Lola’s sister and brother, Lyelah and Lorenzo.

Anyone who knows Lola knows that she is so much more than her diagnosis.

Lola is a happy, sweet little girl who loves being held and spending time with her sister and brother. She has an awareness about her that amazes us daily, and she has perfected a side eye that has become famous among her nurses and care team. Even on difficult days, she somehow finds a way to let everyone know exactly what she thinks. Her smile and bright spirit have touched everyone who has had the privilege of knowing her.

Despite everything she has endured, Lola continues to show us what strength looks like.

On behalf of our family, I am asking for support so that Latifah, Lydell, and their children can focus on what matters most...being with Lola and ensuring she receives the very best care possible.

Donations will help offset:

If you are unable to donate, please consider sharing this fundraiser and keeping Lola and her family in your thoughts and prayers. Every share, every prayer, and every act of kindness mean more than words can express.

We don’t know exactly what the road ahead will look like, but we do know this; Lola is deeply loved, fiercely supported, and surrounded by a village that will continue to carry her and her family through whatever comes next.

Thank you for helping this family stay together, stay strong, and stay by Lola’s side throughout this journey.

With love and gratitude,

Lola’s Titi Sherri

On behalf of Our Family. ❤️

“For this child we have prayed.” — 1 Samuel 1:27