Support Ayden's Fight Against Heart Failure

Help Ayden’s Family while he Battles Heart Failure

Hi everyone,

We are reaching out with heavy hearts to ask for help for our sweet nephew, Ayden. From the moment he was born, Ayden has been a fighter. He was diagnosed with Hypoplastic Left Heart Syndrome (HLHS)—a rare and severe congenital heart defect where the left side of his heart didn’t fully develop. This means his heart has never been able to function normally, and from birth, he has needed major surgeries just to survive.

Over 9 years, Ayden has undergone three open-heart surgeries, each one a step in a process designed to help his heart function as long as possible. His most recent surgery was the Fontan procedure, which is the last stage of surgical treatment for HLHS. The Fontan works by rerouting blood flow so that the heart doesn’t have to work as hard, but it is not a cure—it is only a temporary solution.

Despite everything, Ayden has remained strong, full of life, and surrounded by love. But now, his heart is in severe failure. Even with a pacemaker and all the surgical interventions, his heart is struggling more than ever. He has been in and out of the hospital for most of his life, but this time is different. His body can no longer fight off infections like it used to, and right now, he is admitted to the Cardiac ICU at Phoenix Children’s Hospital after contracting the flu. Unfortunately, his heart is too weak to fight off bigger infections like this, making it even harder for his body to recover.

What Happens Next?

The doctors’ main priority right now is getting Ayden well enough to continue his medical journey. First, he needs to recover from the flu so the doctors can perform a cardiac catheterization (cath) procedure—a crucial test that will give them a clearer picture of how his heart is functioning. This will help determine when he will need a heart transplant and allow the medical team to create the best possible plan for his care.

Once he recovers, the heart failure team will officially come on board to discuss the next steps for his transplant. The reality is, Ayden will need a new heart soon, and we want to be as prepared as possible for that moment.

How You Can Help

The road ahead is long and uncertain, and the financial burden of a heart transplant is overwhelming. Even with medical insurance, the costs associated with transplant surgery, lengthy hospital stays, medications, and post-transplant care are incredibly high. Additionally, our family will need to cover time away from work, and other unexpected costs that come with being by Ayden’s side through this fight.

We are asking for help in any way you can—whether through a donation, sharing Ayden’s story, or simply keeping him in your prayers. Every bit of support helps and means the world to us. Ayden is a warrior, but he cannot do this alone.

Please consider donating to help ease the financial strain on our family so that we can focus on what matters most—getting Ayden the new heart he needs and giving him the best chance at a long, healthy life.

We will continue to provide updates as we learn more about his condition and the next steps in his journey. From the bottom of our hearts, thank you for your love, support, and prayers.

With love,

Aaliyah Pope (Tia Pia) / Ayden’s Family