On Tuesday, February 24th, our world changed when my daughter Autumnn was diagnosed with pneumonia and sent for a chest x-ray. The results confirmed pneumonia, but also revealed vascular congestion. The next morning, we met with a Pediatric Cardiologist for an Echo, and learned that Autumnn has an Atrial Septal Defect. The right side of her heart is enlarged, and the defect is quite large—she will need open heart surgery to repair it.

This news has been overwhelming and scary. As a mother, it’s the hardest thing I’ve ever faced. The days since have been filled with appointments, tests, and so many unknowns. We are now preparing for travel to and from Houston for more testing, appointments, and the surgery itself. The medical bills are already adding up, and we are facing significant out-of-pocket expenses. I will need to take time away from work—likely two months—to care for Autumnn during her recovery, and there will be additional costs for medication and post-operative care.

The most urgent need we have is for love and prayers for Autumnn. She is just a normal 12-year-old girl who loves school, her friends, fishing on the coast as a family, theater, softball, cheer, and animals. Just ten days before this diagnosis, she was celebrating her birthday and stressing about keeping straight A’s in school. She is so kind and always loves helping others. If you see her at school or around town, please give her a hug and let her know she is loved by a village of people. With your support, we will get her back to doing everything she loves and feeling even better than before!