Support for Team Brooklyn

As many of you know, beautiful Brooklyn was born in June 2021 with a number of health issues.

At eight weeks old, she had her first open heart surgery to treat a condition called pulmonary vein stenosis. For people with PVS, healthy cells continue to grow in the pulmonary veins that carry oxygen from their lungs to their heart, blocking the flow of blood and subsequently limiting oxygen to the rest of the body.

Brooklyn has to undergo heart catheterizations every few months to help open up her pulmonary veins. On top of the PVS, she has other complex medical needs, including an ostomy and a g-tube, to aid her digestion and nutrition. She receives oral chemotherapy every day, along with other meds, to manage the nausea, fluids, blood clotting, etc. She spent nearly every holiday for the first year of her life in the emergency room or admitted to the hospital.

On Oct. 24, Brooklyn was admitted to Boston Children's Hospital following what was supposed to be a routine appointment. She is now scheduled for her second open heart surgery on Oct. 31.

Liam and Emily have been fortunate to maintain their jobs, coordinate the frequent hospitalizations, pay out of pocket for a nurse to watch Brooklyn three days a week and have the support of her grandparents, Kelley and Ed and Dave and Doris, to assist on the other days. Unfortunately, four days before Brooklyn’s latest surgery, Emily’s employer terminated her position with no notice. This unexpected change adds new challenges to navigating the coming weeks and Brooklyn’s recovery over the next several months.

Many of you have called and texted asking how to help. Honestly, just trying to think of their own needs over Brooklyn’s is impossible at the moment. This is a difficult and humbling step and one they have resisted for a long time. All funds will go directly to Brooklyn's health care needs, but the support will also help give Liam and Em some breathing room.

Many of you have seen pictures of Brooklyn and a very few of you have met her. You know she is well-adjusted, immensely loved and one of the happiest babies you will ever meet. We are all so blessed for her incredible disposition. More than anything, please keep Brooklyn, Mom and Dad in your prayers.