Bear's heart
Donation protected
Kaidence’s Story
In November 2013 Kaidence aka 'Bear' was diagnosed with a congenital heart defect called Atrial Septal Defect - Secundum (ASD) otherwise known as "hole in the heart." At times the heart can repair itself and the holes close on their own, but Bear has three rather large holes, making her defect much more complex. At the time of diagnosis she appeared healthy and was not experiencing any symptoms from the defect, so her Cardiologist advised them to wait to see if her heart would repair itself. They visited the Mayo Clinic a week later, where the pediatric cardio team agreed. Mandi and Forrest were informed that if there was not significant change over this time, Bear would require surgical intervention.
Two years have passed and in January she had an echo-cardiogram (ultra sound of the heart) to evaluate her current status, which did not show improvement, rather, it showed the holes had gotten larger and the right side of her heart is now enlarged from the extra work it has been doing. All of this means that surgery is going to be needed to repair the holes and because of the size and locations of the holes, her best option for success is for her to undergo open-heart surgery; otherwise, Bear would suffer continued damage to her heart and lungs, heart failure, high blood pressure, and certain death. As important as this medical intervention is, the many doctors appointments, tests, and missed work have all put a huge strain on the family, emotionally and financially, and this is just the beginning.
Bear is scheduled for surgery on March 28, 2016 at Children's Hospital in Minneapolis.
Please take time to let Bear's parents and siblings feel the support I know is out there. I can't imagine what they are going through right now.
In November 2013 Kaidence aka 'Bear' was diagnosed with a congenital heart defect called Atrial Septal Defect - Secundum (ASD) otherwise known as "hole in the heart." At times the heart can repair itself and the holes close on their own, but Bear has three rather large holes, making her defect much more complex. At the time of diagnosis she appeared healthy and was not experiencing any symptoms from the defect, so her Cardiologist advised them to wait to see if her heart would repair itself. They visited the Mayo Clinic a week later, where the pediatric cardio team agreed. Mandi and Forrest were informed that if there was not significant change over this time, Bear would require surgical intervention.
Two years have passed and in January she had an echo-cardiogram (ultra sound of the heart) to evaluate her current status, which did not show improvement, rather, it showed the holes had gotten larger and the right side of her heart is now enlarged from the extra work it has been doing. All of this means that surgery is going to be needed to repair the holes and because of the size and locations of the holes, her best option for success is for her to undergo open-heart surgery; otherwise, Bear would suffer continued damage to her heart and lungs, heart failure, high blood pressure, and certain death. As important as this medical intervention is, the many doctors appointments, tests, and missed work have all put a huge strain on the family, emotionally and financially, and this is just the beginning.
Bear is scheduled for surgery on March 28, 2016 at Children's Hospital in Minneapolis.
Please take time to let Bear's parents and siblings feel the support I know is out there. I can't imagine what they are going through right now.
Organizer and beneficiary
Teri McLean LaBelle
Organizer
Ventura, CA
Mandi Featherstone
Beneficiary