Support for the Stevens Family
Donation protected
Thank you for being here! This fundraiser is in support of one of our dearest friends, Merriellen Stevens, and her family of six.
This past fall (while six months pregnant with their fourth baby—a girl!), it was discovered that Merriellen had an aortic aneurysm. The artery that comes off the heart was severely dilated and at risk for rupture. After consulting with the medical team, it was decided that her baby should be delivered six weeks early, via c-section, and that Merriellen should undergo open heart surgery to repair her aorta.
Sweet baby Evelyn Audrey Stevens was born on February 15th and weighed 5lb 7oz. Four days later, Merriellen underwent open heart surgery.
This meant that she endured two major surgeries within a matter of four days. Merriellen’s life is a miracle, as the surgeon noted the aorta was already starting to dissect in some places and could very well have ruptured at any moment.
After surgery, Merriellen was recovering well at first and actually went home just three days post-op; however, she battled migraines and fevers in the weeks following. Last night, March 6th, she went into the ER where it was discovered that she had fluid around her heart. She was admitted to the hospital for yet another open heart surgery.
This second surgery took place Sunday morning, March 7th, and was successful. She has been recovering well. As of right now, the Drs expect her to spend another week in the hospital. Evelyn remains in the NICU as she is still putting on weight and learning to feed from a bottle. She is doing well.
Due to COVID-19, work has been slow for Nate and since Evelyn’s birth he has been focusing on his family and wife’s recovery. If you know Nate and Merriellen then you know what wonderful and loving people they are who graciously give of themselves to their family and friends. They have been there to support each of us in personal ways when we have gone through our own trials. While our prayers are mighty and incredibly important and powerful, we are asking you to answer these prayers by acting as God’s hands and feet. We ask you to prayerfully consider if you are able to give anything to be an encouragement and blessing to the Stevens family. We know any and all gifts will be greatly appreciated and are truly needed. Thank you.
-Nathan & Carissa Lyle, and Anna Heesen
This past fall (while six months pregnant with their fourth baby—a girl!), it was discovered that Merriellen had an aortic aneurysm. The artery that comes off the heart was severely dilated and at risk for rupture. After consulting with the medical team, it was decided that her baby should be delivered six weeks early, via c-section, and that Merriellen should undergo open heart surgery to repair her aorta.
Sweet baby Evelyn Audrey Stevens was born on February 15th and weighed 5lb 7oz. Four days later, Merriellen underwent open heart surgery.
This meant that she endured two major surgeries within a matter of four days. Merriellen’s life is a miracle, as the surgeon noted the aorta was already starting to dissect in some places and could very well have ruptured at any moment.
After surgery, Merriellen was recovering well at first and actually went home just three days post-op; however, she battled migraines and fevers in the weeks following. Last night, March 6th, she went into the ER where it was discovered that she had fluid around her heart. She was admitted to the hospital for yet another open heart surgery.
This second surgery took place Sunday morning, March 7th, and was successful. She has been recovering well. As of right now, the Drs expect her to spend another week in the hospital. Evelyn remains in the NICU as she is still putting on weight and learning to feed from a bottle. She is doing well.
Due to COVID-19, work has been slow for Nate and since Evelyn’s birth he has been focusing on his family and wife’s recovery. If you know Nate and Merriellen then you know what wonderful and loving people they are who graciously give of themselves to their family and friends. They have been there to support each of us in personal ways when we have gone through our own trials. While our prayers are mighty and incredibly important and powerful, we are asking you to answer these prayers by acting as God’s hands and feet. We ask you to prayerfully consider if you are able to give anything to be an encouragement and blessing to the Stevens family. We know any and all gifts will be greatly appreciated and are truly needed. Thank you.
-Nathan & Carissa Lyle, and Anna Heesen
Organizer and beneficiary
Anna Thoftne
Organizer
Cambridge, WI
Nathan Stevens
Beneficiary