On June 25, 2025, our sweet Summer entered the world weighing just 5 lbs. At Chantel’s anatomy scan, Summer was diagnosed with a congenital heart defect—both a VSD (ventricular septal defect) and an ASD (atrial septal defect). Before birth, it was unclear how serious Summer’s condition would be. While doctors initially felt hopeful and labeled her case the “best-case scenario,” Summer’s journey quickly turned more complex.

Shortly after birth, she needed to be intubated, and her care team decided they had to wait until she reached 6.6 lbs to begin the first heart procedure. Unfortunately, during the initial procedure through a catheter, Summer’s heart was accidentally punctured, and the attempt had to be stopped. Doctors then turned to a more aggressive, two-part surgical approach.

In the first procedure, they opened Summer’s chest to access and open her pulmonary valve. In the second, they placed stents in her heart to improve blood flow to her lungs. Though both procedures were completed, Summer remains on a ventilator. Each attempt to remove it has caused her to crash. She has also developed blood clots in her legs, and her G-tube has had to be replaced multiple times in a single day.

Summer is an incredible fighter—and so are her parents, Stew and Chantel. They would never ask for help themselves, which is why I’m doing it for them. I want them to be able to focus fully on being there for Summer, while also caring for her big sister, Cruz. But as we all know, the bills don’t stop for emergencies. They still need hot meals, childcare for Cruz, and help staying afloat during this overwhelming time.

We are humbly asking for your support. Whether through a donation, a prayer, or sharing this page. Every bit helps as we fight alongside Summer on her journey to healing.

From the bottom of our hearts, thank you.