Support Josie's Journey to Heart Health

Hi, my name is JoAnn. I'm raising funds to help offset the continuing extensive medical bills related to Josie's heart condition. Here is her story:

Josie went into the ER on April 11 for rapid, labored breathing and a congenital heart defect was detected. The preliminary diagnosis was terrible. God answered prayers from literally around the world when it was officially diagnosed as coarctation of the aortic arch - a reversible issue. She underwent emergency surgery to put a stent in the constriction. We were informed, when her heart function becomes more normal, an open heart surgery will be performed to permanently fix the arch.

After 25 days in the hospital, Josie was finally discharged as an outpatient.

On to phase two of her healing and recovery. Luckily this phase is at home with frequent doctor visits. They’re looking for better heart function before her next procedure.

After two weeks at home, Josie had her first follow-up with her cardiologist and is doing amazing! Her doctor was very happy with how everything is looking. She said things are progressing how they expected and hoped. They want her gaining weight and her heart to get smaller - both of which are happening.

After she reaches a normal weight for her age and her heart size is closer to normal they believe that is when her heart function will start to improve.

After her heart function improves, they will start to evaluate what the best course of action will be for her. It could be the open heart surgery to attempt to permanently fix the arch, or it could be a series of procedures to keep dilating her stent as she grows. She she will continue to be monitored weekly.

Josie has an amazing medical team that we are so incredibly grateful for.

Thank you everyone who has prayed. Honestly sending genuine prayers our way is such a generous thing to do. We are deeply appreciative. ♥️♥️♥️ Please continue to pray for improved heart function, pray for guidance as Joey, her team, and I decide next steps, and pray for a long, healthy, happy life for sweet Josie.