Nova's Heart Fund

On August 30, 2018, four year old Nova Swab went to her PCP for a routine head start physical. The doctor thought she heard a small murmur and said that it should be checked... Nova went to a pediatric cardiologist in Erie, PA the following week. The pediatric cardiologist found a large hole in Nova's heart. The hole is referred to as ASD (Atrial Septal Defect). It is a hole located on the dividing wall between the top two chambers of her heart. The hole measures 1.2 cm. The hole is causing already oxygenated blood to leak into the right atrial chamber of the heart causing a large amount of swelling to the right chamber of her heart and sending over-oxygenated blood back into her blood stream putting her at risk for more imminent health issues such as a stroke. The cardiologist suggested that she be seen at the Pittsburgh Children's Hospital to discuss options to close the hole.  On October 4, 2018 Nova was seen at PCH and underwent 2 more echo-cardiograms where a second hole was discovered measuring 5mm. Due to the second hole a catheter device was no longer an option and the family was told that Nova would have to undergo open heart surgery where they would have to crack her sternum, place her on bypass, perform the surgery, and then restart her heart and begin recovery. Nova does have medical insurance and the procedure itself will be covered by her insurance. However, the family will need help with medical supplies, a hotel for the family to stay while Nova is at the hospital recovering, fuel to get back and forth for the surgery and follow up exams, and her mother will have to take unpaid FMLA to take care of Nova at home while recovering. Please help little Nova and her family!