Help Support Eloise’s Heart Journey

My name is Yusuf, but my friends call me Yusuf, and this is about my daughter, Eloise.

She was born on January 31, 2024, and from her very first breath, she has been fighting battles most adults will never face.

While still in the womb, doctors noticed a small hole in her heart (a VSD). But after birth, we learned the reality was much more serious. Eloise was diagnosed with Atrioventricular Canal Defect (AVCD), Ventricular Septal Defect (VSD), and a Hypoplastic Aortic Arch. At just days old, she underwent her first open-heart surgery - the Norwood procedure performed by one of the best surgeons in the country at Duke University Hospital.

Since then, Eloise’s journey has included:

Multiple hospitalizations

Placement of a feeding tube (first an NG tube, and then an upgrade to a G-tube)

Several cardiac catheterizations with ballooning procedures

A second major open-heart surgery

And most recently, an emergency pacemaker placement when her heartbeats did not return after surgery.

She is only a baby, but she has already survived three open-heart surgeries and countless procedures, and our sweetheart still has more to go. She is our little heart warrior, and while her spirit is strong, this journey has been overwhelming for our family both emotionally and financially.

Right now, Eloise is home with us, recovering and enjoying life while her medical team review pictures, xrays, 3-D heart models, etc. While preparing for her next open-heart surgery, date pending.

Her biggest challenges now are eating and gaining weight common struggles for children with complex congenital heart disease. She requires close follow-up, frequent appointments, and a strict care routine, but she’s smiling, growing, and inspiring everyone around her.

Why We Need Help

Between the time spent in hospitals, medical bills, and the demands of caring for Eloise full-time, we’ve fallen behind on essential bills. We are doing everything we can, but right now we cannot catch up on our own.

Please. If you can donate even a dollar, from the bottom of our heart thank you. Every bit makes a world of difference. If not, please share this campaign.

With gratitude,

Eloise & Her Family