Stella's Transplant

We are writing this to ask for your support, creative ideas and prayers. Cleve and Anna Marie Witham are facing some tough challenges in the months ahead.  They have three children, August (9); Stella (6) and Haddon (2).  At birth Stella was diagnosed with a congenital heart defect and she has been in and out of Children’s Hospital in Seattle throughout her young life having had several surgeries since birth.  A couple of years ago she had a Fontan surgery, and now she has more complications that have arisen.  The bottom line is that now Stella needs a heart transplant. 

In order for Stella to be on the transplant register, she has to be within two hours of Seattle – and not over the I-90 pass due to the possibility of impassable road conditions in the winter.  As you can imagine, the stress of trying to decide what to do when both parents have jobs (Cleve is in banking; Anna Marie is a dental hygienist), August is in school, they have a toddler, and Stella has to be near Seattle is overwhelming. 

The GoFundMe site was created in order to raise money to help with  living expenses while in Seattle.  Currently Anna Marie, Haddon and Stella are staying with Steve and Doris (Gannon) Schoenecker, and house sitting for different people in the area, thanks to them and their wonderful neighbors and friends.  They may be there up to two years waiting for a transplant as well as recovery time.  Ronald McDonald house is another option however isn't completely free, nor is food, Cleve and Augusts flights to see them or just trying to maintain residence in Seattle.

Thank you for all of your prayers and support.  They are definitely overwhelmed with all of the support they have received thus far and continue to receive.  Stella is a beautiful young girl and we hope and pray a transplant will be soon and without overwhelming complications.