Hi, my name is Michelle and I'm doing a fundraiser for my daughter and her new born son Mylyn Lee.

Mylyn Lee Barnes was born 4/2/2024 @ 5:55 p.m. by way of c-section due to delivery complications. He was too weak to endure the delivery process. His oxygen levels were not good and his heart was getting weak, so they took him immediately to the NICU @ CVMH. Harley barely got to see him. Mylyn wasn't in the NICU for more than 8 hours before the doctors decided it was best to get him transferred to Lavine Children's Hospital in Charlotte because after numerous tests it was clear he had coarctation of the aorta and needed surgery.

Harley had not been released from the hospital in Hickory because of her surgery and she was very anemic and was panicking because her new born was about to have to leave her and he'd only just been born. I assured her that I would go with him and stay by his side until she could get discharged and come to Levine's to be with Mylyn.

After 2 of the longest days of our lives, Harley made it to Levine and was able to be reunited with her baby. Baby Mylyn had heart surgery on 4/9/2024(7 days old) @ 10:45 a.m. The procedure consisted of cutting off the thin non-working portion of the aorta and sewing it back together. In all it was about a 2 1/2 hour surgery with a 2 hour recovery time. So far the surgery has done its job. However, we are nowhere close to being out of the swamp.

Due to the lack of oxygen and circulation of blood, baby Mylyn's organs are having to learn how to work appropriately after working inappropriately for 9 months in the womb. Our biggest challenge now is feeding him. He is still having to be fed through a feeding tube because his vocal cords are allowing his milk to spray into his lungs instead of going down his esophagus to his stomach. Per doctor's, it will be at least 4-6 months before this issue actually fixes itself.

Harley will be out of work for quite some time to be able to take care of baby Mylyn. We will have to travel back and forth to Levine for chrck-ups. Any and all help to aid with gas, hotel accommodations, food, bills, etc. is and will be greatly appreciated and utilized. Please consider helping this beautiful young mother and her precious new born strive for greatness as they endure this long journey together. MUCH LOVE AND MANY BLESSINGS TO ALL