Hello family and friends. I want to start by asking for your grace as we reach out for financial help. This is our first time doing this, and while it feels uncomfortable, we know it is what’s best for Gabriella’s past, current, and future care she needs.
At 25 weeks pregnant, our world changed when Gabriella was diagnosed with a congenital heart defect called Tetralogy of Fallot (TOF). We were immediately asked during the ultrasound if we wanted to terminate the pregnancy. We trusted God's plan and chose to fight for her. TOF involves surgical repair for fixation due to four specific heart defects: a hole in the heart (VSD), a narrowed pulmonary valve, an overriding aorta, and a thickened right ventricle. These issues make her prone to dangerous "TET spells" where her oxygen levels drop drastically. Other complications prior to surgery is fainting, shortness of breath, rapid breathing especially during feeds, trouble gaining weight even if eating properly, dizziness and low energy. Unfortunately, she experienced all of them. Her journey has been difficult, involving ER visits and frequent specialist care during her first 2 months of life.
On March 24th, 2026—what should have been a happy 8-week milestone turned into a life-or-death situation as we rushed her to the CHLA Emergency Room because her oxygen levels were dangerously low. She was also having uncontrollable TET spells in which she needed to be sedated. Despite sedation and maximum oxygen support, she didn't improve. We were told she needed emergency open-heart surgery immediately.
Terrified and helpless, we walk down the aisle holding hands and crying as they take her for surgery. I wrestled with so much guilt and found myself questioning God’s plan. I kept asking, Is this my fault? Why Gabriella? Why must our innocent baby suffer? I just couldn’t understand WHY, why such a tiny, innocent soul had to face these struggles. But Gabriella answered those questions with her own resilience. She returned to us as a precious little heart warrior. She has proven herself a fighter, showing us how brave and mighty she truly is. She reminded me not to lose faith, to continue praying and believing in God's plan. I then realized God was by her side every step of the way. He never left. He was was with her in that operating room, guiding the hands of her surgeon and placing her with the most skilled medical team i could ever ask for. The scar on her chest is not a mark of tragedy, but a beautiful symbol of her strength.
Her name Gabriella itself means "God is my strength," "God gives strength," or "heroine of God". We chose it very carefully but looking at her now, with her beautiful scar, i see that she is exactly who she was meant to be: a heroine of God. ❤️
As we navigate her recovery and future medical needs, the costs have become overwhelming. We are putting our pride aside to ask for your help—not just for the bills, but to ensure she continues to get the best care moving forward.
Thank you for not judging us in our time of need, and for loving Gabriella as much
as we do. God bless you, your health and remember to not lose faith ❤️