My name is Phyllis Anderson, and I want to share something that is very close to my heart. My best friend, Tracey, has devoted herself to caring for her precious granddaughter, Ayah, who recently received a life-saving heart transplant on June 30. 2026. While this miracle has given Ayah a second chance at life, her recovery journey is far from over.

To safely bring Ayah home, Tracey needs to add a bedroom to her home. This expansion will provide Ayah with her own safe, clean, and medically appropriate space where she can continue healing and recover after her transplant. We are asking for your support through monetary donations or donations of building materials and supplies, including lumber, drywall, insulation, flooring, paint, windows, doors, and other materials needed to complete the room addition. Any contribution, whether financial or through donated supplies, will make a meaningful difference in helping create a safe and comfortable environment for Ayah's recovery.

Every donation, no matter the amount, brings us one step closer to giving Ayah the space she needs to heal. If you are unable to donate, please consider sharing this fundraiser with your family, friends, church, and community. Your kindness, prayers, and support mean more than words can express.

Please click the link below to donate or share this fundraiser. From the bottom of my hearts, thank you for helping Ayah and Tracey during this journey. Your generosity, love, and prayers will help bring Ayah home to the safe and nurturing environment she deserves as she continues her recovery. God bless each of you for your compassion and support. ❤️

HISTORY OF THE JOURNEY: BELOW

My name is Tracey Hill Hamilton, and I am the proud grandmother of ten beautiful grandchildren—eight girls and two boys—ranging in age from six months to twelve years old. I have worked in the healthcare field since I was 21 years old and have dedicated my life to caring for individuals and families in need.

One of my granddaughters, Ayah Perkins, was born with a congenital heart defect and has been fighting for her life since the day she entered this world. In December 2025, Ayah’s condition became critical when her heart began to fail. In January 2026, she was admitted to the hospital, where she has remained throughout this difficult journey.

As her heart continued to weaken, Ayah went into heart failure, and her other organs began to shut down. To save her life, doctors performed emergency surgery and implanted a Berlin Heart pump, an external mechanical device with two tubes that temporarily supports one side of the heart while a patient waits for a heart transplant. This life-saving device served as a bridge until a donor heart became available, and Ayah was officially placed on the heart transplant list.

While waiting at Arthur M. Blank Hospital at Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta, Ayah endured countless medical procedures, setbacks, and challenges. Despite everything, she remained strong, and our faith never wavered.

On June 28, 2026, at approximately 10:30 p.m., I received a phone call from one of Ayah’s nurses. She told me they had accepted a donor heart for Ayah. At that moment, all I could say was, “Thank you, God.” Tears of joy filled my eyes as I realized that the prayers of our family, friends, church family, and everyone who had been standing with us had been answered. We were overwhelmed with gratitude, hope, and appreciation.

On June 30, 2026, Ayah received her new heart. By my side during this life-changing day were Linda Hill, Ayah’s great-grandmother, and Jacqueline Grier, our church mother. They stayed with me so I would not have to face such an emotional moment alone. Their love and support meant more than words can express.

Throughout this journey, I have been Ayah’s primary caregiver, making sure all of her needs are met while balancing work, traveling back and forth to Atlanta, Georgia, and caring for my household. It has been physically, emotionally, and financially challenging, but I would do it all over again for my granddaughter.

As Ayah continues her recovery, she will be coming home with me after she is discharged from Arthur M. Blank Hospital. Because her immune system will be severely compromised following her heart transplant, I am asking for your support in helping us expand my home to provide Ayah with her own dedicated living space.

Having a separate area will allow her to safely receive home-school instruction, physical and occupational therapy, nursing care, and any medical equipment she may need during her recovery. Most importantly, it will greatly reduce her exposure to germs, bacteria, viruses, and other illnesses that can easily spread in a household with multiple family members and visitors. Creating a cleaner, more controlled environment will give Ayah the best opportunity to heal and protect the precious gift she has received.

If you feel led to support Ayah’s continued recovery, whether through a donation, supplies, prayers, or simply words of encouragement, every act of kindness will make a difference. If you would like to contact me personally, you may email me at [email redacted]. Recommendations for a carpenter contractor and electrician are also greatly appreciated, and you may send any information to the same email address.

From the bottom of my heart, I want to thank every family member, extended family member, friend, church family, and every person who has prayed, donated, encouraged us, and stood beside us throughout this journey. Your love has carried us through some of the darkest days of our lives.

I am deeply grateful for every prayer, every monetary donation, every phone call, every visit, every encouraging word, and every act of kindness. May God richly bless each of you for the love you have shown Ayah and our family.

Our journey is not over—it is simply entering a new chapter. We now begin the long road of healing and recovery. With God’s grace, the support of our loved ones, and the continued prayers of so many, I know Ayah has a bright future ahead.

I could never have made it through this journey alone. Thank you for believing in us, praying for us, and blessing us in every way possible.

With sincere love and heartfelt gratitude,

Tracey Hill Hamilton
Proud Grandmother and Caregiver to Ayah