Support Brianna's Life-Changing Open Heart Surgery

Story

Hi, I’m Brianna. I’m 26, and this September 24th, I’ll be undergoing one of the most complex and life-changing surgeries of my life — a Fontan Takedown and Complex Septation at Stanford Medical Center. I’ve always worked hard to take care of myself, but for the first time, I’m asking for help. I was born with a rare congenital heart defect called Aortic Atresia, which means the main valve that pumps blood from the heart to the body never formed. To survive, I had three open-heart surgeries as a baby. Those surgeries gave me a second chance at life — but they came with lifelong limitations. Growing up, I couldn’t run around at recess or play like the other kids. Everyone was afraid of how my heart might react. But as I got older, I started testing the limits. I went on a roller coaster once, and for the first time, I realized my heart was stronger than we thought. It didn’t race more than anyone else’s — it was just…normal. That moment stayed with me. Still, one issue never went away: I don’t get enough oxygen. I get out of breath just walking up stairs or going on a simple walk. I have to pace myself when I talk. I dream of the day I can walk a beach or sing a full song without gasping for air. And now, because of the way my heart has been rerouted through past surgeries, I’ve developed liver disease — specifically, Fontan-associated fatty liver disease. Blood slowly leaks back into my liver, and over time, this will likely lead to cirrhosis. If nothing changes, I’ll eventually need both a liver and a heart transplant. But there is a chance — a real, hopeful, life-changing chance — that this surgery in October can stop all of that. If successful, this operation could: • Reverse the damage to my liver • Allow my heart to pump normally • Increase my oxygen levels • Let me live fully — to sing, dance, travel, breathe But recovery won’t be easy. I’ll be hospitalized for most of October and out of work the entire month. I work as a phlebotomist and drive for Uber to make ends meet, but even with a bit of PTO, it won’t be enough. I’m also in the process of filing for bankruptcy from years of medical debt — not because I’ve been irresponsible, but because I’ve always tried to do it all alone. I’m asking for $50,000 to help cover my deductible and regular bills while I heal. If I don’t raise the money, I risk falling so far behind financially that I can’t catch up — even if my health finally does. This surgery could give me a fresh start. I just need help holding onto it. If you’ve read this far, thank you. If you’re able to donate, share, or just send love my way, I am more grateful than words can say. With all my heart, Brianna