Jovie's Life-Saving Heart Surgery
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Hi everyone! I'm Jon ... Lindsie's dad and Jovie's grandfather. Jovie Jean was born last January with major heart issues. She underwent open heart surgery last February and spent her first 8 months of life in the U of M Masonic Children's Hospital in Minneapolis. Since last fall she and her loving mother, Lindsie, have been residing at the Ronald McDonald House and remain under the care of doctors at UMMCH. It hasn't been an easy road but Jovie is receiving the best care and continues to show progress. However, she will soon need another surgery.
Due to changes in the surgical staff at UMMCH, cases such as Jovie's are not being scheduled for surgery and she and other children are being referred to other facilities around the country.
We received news on 3/22/18 that Jovie is being referred to the Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago for her next surgery, called a Kowashima procedure.
Jovie's Doctor, Brian Joy, said she's a moving target (meaning her health could change very rapidly) and that he thinks she needs her surgery in the next 2-3 months. Dr. Joy explained that a lot of cardiac patients are being referred locally, but because of the complications in the past with Jovie, he feels that Chicago is the best place for her. Once Jovie's case is accepted, she and Lindsie will be relocating to Chicago, hopefully to the Ronald McDonald House there.
You all have been so very generous with your thoughts, prayers, gifts and financial contributions and we want you to know we appreciate your support more than you know. I am humbled and eternally grateful for your love and support for my family. I'm not too proud to admit that I'm not in a financial position to help Lindsie and Jovie cover the costs of everything. And there are expenses that will need to be taken care of.
Lindsie gave up her position at the newspaper in Finley to stay in Minneapolis with Jovie so she really has no income. Sometimes it's a stretch to cover the cost of diapers, formula, food, etc. etc. etc. And at this point we don't really know what the expenses will look like once they are in Chicago, but it goes without saying there will definitely be expenses.
That leads me to forming this Go Fund Me campaign and a plea to help if you can. If you are unable to offer any financial support, I understand and simply ask that you continue to hold Lindsie and Jovie in your prayers as they still have a long road ahead.
Jovie is a beautiful and very happy ray of sunshine. Her smile lights up a room and if I could give her my healthy heart and put her bad one in me I most definitely would.
Thank you again for your love and support ... may God bless each and every one of you!
-Jon (Papa Jon) Flatland
Due to changes in the surgical staff at UMMCH, cases such as Jovie's are not being scheduled for surgery and she and other children are being referred to other facilities around the country.
We received news on 3/22/18 that Jovie is being referred to the Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago for her next surgery, called a Kowashima procedure.
Jovie's Doctor, Brian Joy, said she's a moving target (meaning her health could change very rapidly) and that he thinks she needs her surgery in the next 2-3 months. Dr. Joy explained that a lot of cardiac patients are being referred locally, but because of the complications in the past with Jovie, he feels that Chicago is the best place for her. Once Jovie's case is accepted, she and Lindsie will be relocating to Chicago, hopefully to the Ronald McDonald House there.
You all have been so very generous with your thoughts, prayers, gifts and financial contributions and we want you to know we appreciate your support more than you know. I am humbled and eternally grateful for your love and support for my family. I'm not too proud to admit that I'm not in a financial position to help Lindsie and Jovie cover the costs of everything. And there are expenses that will need to be taken care of.
Lindsie gave up her position at the newspaper in Finley to stay in Minneapolis with Jovie so she really has no income. Sometimes it's a stretch to cover the cost of diapers, formula, food, etc. etc. etc. And at this point we don't really know what the expenses will look like once they are in Chicago, but it goes without saying there will definitely be expenses.
That leads me to forming this Go Fund Me campaign and a plea to help if you can. If you are unable to offer any financial support, I understand and simply ask that you continue to hold Lindsie and Jovie in your prayers as they still have a long road ahead.
Jovie is a beautiful and very happy ray of sunshine. Her smile lights up a room and if I could give her my healthy heart and put her bad one in me I most definitely would.
Thank you again for your love and support ... may God bless each and every one of you!
-Jon (Papa Jon) Flatland
Organizer
Jon E. Flatland
Organizer
Watertown, MN
