Mila’s Story – A Life of Strength and Love

When I was pregnant, our daughter Mila was diagnosed with Hypoplastic Left Heart Syndrome (HLHS). From the very first day, doctors told us we would be in for a journey unlike any other. What we didn’t realize at the time was just how difficult and unpredictable that journey would become.

Before Mila was even born, doctors doubted she would survive her very first open-heart surgery—scheduled just two days after her birth. But on September 23, 2024, Mila entered this world and immediately showed us the miracle that God had placed in our lives.

Despite the odds, Mila fought through multiple open-heart surgeries in hopes of one day coming home. Eventually, her tiny heart grew so weak that a transplant became her only option. To help her get there, she was placed on a mechanical heart support called a VAD (Ventricular Assist Device). We prayed, as did her doctors, that this would give her the strength she needed to qualify for a transplant.

Sadly, Mila’s little body had been through so much that her organs could no longer keep up, and she was diagnosed with multi-organ failure, along with complications affecting her lungs and neurological system. Her liver disease, in particular, made each day more difficult for her. As parents, we faced the most heartbreaking decision—to let our sweet girl find the peace she so deeply deserved. Surrounded by love, Mila went to be with the Lord on August 21, 2025, just shy of her 11th month of life.

Though our hearts are shattered, we are endlessly proud of Mila and the fight she put up during her time here. She gave us nearly a year of love, strength, and miracles, and we will carry her spirit with us forever.

Now, we want to honor her memory in the best way possible. We are asking for support to help with:

• Mila’s memorial service in November

• A special celebration of what would have been her 1st birthday

• Household bills we are working to catch up on after spending Mila’s final weeks completely by her side

Anything you can give will go directly toward honoring our daughter’s life and easing some of the financial burdens left behind during this incredibly difficult time.

From the bottom of our hearts, thank you for helping us celebrate our brave little warrior, Mila Symone.

#MilasHeartLivesOn ❤️

(P.S. The memorial service date is not final; 11/15/25 is a generic date)