Sadie was diagnosed with Transposition of the Great Arteries and Ventricular Septal Defect before she was born. Upon birth in 2014 she was transported to Strong Memorial and underwent her initial open heart surgery – a Blalock – Taussig shunt. In February 2015, she had her second open heart surgery – a Glenn shunt. Her third open heart surgery is scheduled this May when she will receive a Fontan shunt. Hopefully this will provide a better quality of life by increasing her oxygen levels and allowing her to do more normal physical activities. Each time she has surgery it causes delays in her development and she has therapy for extended terms to help her catch up.

Strong Memorial and the Ronald McDonald House are a godsend and have helped enormously with expenses – however this time around, her mom will be missing work and paying child care for Sadie’s little brother. Her mom has been reluctant in the past to accept help but has agreed this time to allow me to ask my friends for help. If you are unable to help financially, I would ask that you send prayers and share the post. I love my granddaughter so very much and I am so grateful for whatever you are able to do! Glamma (Becky Chappell-Marchetti)