On September 21, after a long and difficult labor, Shannon and I delivered our sleeping angel, Octavian. Our journey began at 20 weeks gestation when we learned that Octavian had an enlarged top left ventricle. Over the next few weeks, we saw multiple specialists and received devastating news: the left side of his heart wasn’t working correctly, and he would need surgery immediately after birth if he made it to term. His chances of survival were less than 50% at that time.

On September 12, 2025, University Hospital in Cleveland called us to fly out for an in utero heart surgery. We arrived on September 16, hoping for the best. After several ultrasounds and fetal echos, we learned that Octavian had HLHS (Hypoplastic Left Heart Syndrome), Aortic Stenosis, and fetal hydrops. The surgical team did everything they could, but on September 19, we received the heartbreaking confirmation that Octavian had passed away after surgery. We returned home and, after 20 hours of labor, Shannon delivered Octavian on September 21.

Due to hospital stays, travel, and recovery, both Shannon and I have been off work for over two weeks with no paid time off. We are now facing medical bills, mounting living expenses, travel costs, and urgent vehicle repairs. Any support would mean the world to us, as it would help us cover our bills and, most importantly, bring Octavian home so we can lay him to rest. Thank you for helping us during this incredibly difficult time.