On Friday, Erica and Tanner will welcome their precious baby girl Iyla into the world. She is already deeply loved and faithfully prayed over. Due to Iyla being breech she will be delivered via C-section if she does not flip before then.

Before she has the chance to go home, Iyla will need heart surgery. Doctors discovered that she has Coarctation of the Aorta (which means she has narrowing of her Aorta). While the thought of heart surgery so early in life is overwhelming, we are incredibly grateful that this is a condition doctors are confident they can repair. With successful surgery, Iyla is expected to live a long, healthy life — a blessing we are holding tightly to and thanking God for daily.

Still, placing your newborn into surgery is a moment no parent can prepare for. Tanner and Erica are stepping into parenthood with immense faith, trusting God’s plan as they prepare to place their daughter into the hands of skilled surgeons. Our family has been praying without ceasing — for peace that surpasses understanding, for wisdom and steady hands for the doctors, and for complete healing over sweet Iyla.

In order to remain close to Children’s Hospital during Iyla’s surgery and recovery, Tanner and Erica will need to stay in a nearby Airbnb. Being close is vital during this time, but it also brings unexpected expenses. Along with housing, they will be facing medical bills, food costs, and daily necessities while focusing entirely on their daughter.

We are asking for help to ease some of the financial burden so Tanner and Erica can focus fully on caring for Iyla and supporting one another.

Donations will help cover:

• Temporary housing near the hospital

• Medical expenses related to Iyla’s care

• Meals and basic necessities during their stay

Thank you from the bottom of our hearts for your kindness, generosity, and support during this time.