Support for Grace Laurel

Grace Laurel was born on March 28, 2019,  joining parents Meredith and Kevin and big sister Charlotte (Charlie), 2.  The Dalbys discovered during pregnancy that Grace would be born with a complicated heart defect. Sweet baby Grace was born at Vanderbilt, where she was immediately monitored in the NICU, then sent home to Knoxville for a few weeks after her ductus closed (a tiny vein that disappears after birth.)  After the ductus closed, Grace was having some issues with breathing and feeding, leading the Dalbys to return to Vanderbilt for her first heart surgery, the Norwood operation, on May 2 at just 5 weeks old. They are currently at Vanderbilt for her recovery, which should take a few weeks. They have had a few scares throughout their time so far, but overall she is showing good progress.  If all goes according to plan, Grace will have her second heart surgery, the Glenn, around 3 to 4 months old and a third surgery, the Fontan around 4 years old. 

As you can imagine, the Dalbys have incurred and will continue to incur astronomical costs associated with Grace's care, lodging, transportation, childcare for Charlie, unpaid leave, and other related items as they continue down this road.  They live in Knoxville and are juggling caring for their 2 year old in Knoxville and Grace in Nashville when she is here for surgeries or other care. For those of you who know them, you know that they are an incredible, faith-filled, positive, strong and incredibly resilient little family of four. If you are so inclined, please donate to this page to support them during this time and for years to come.  Your donation means more to them than you will ever know. Prayers are greatly appreciated as well.  Baby Grace is a strong, brave little girl, and we take comfort in knowing that God is holding her and their family through this time.