Support Kassi and Connor After Tragic Loss

Just over seven months ago, Kassi and Connor welcomed Daphne into the world and into their family. I’ve never seen two people more excited to be parents.

Daphne, however, was born with several congenital heart defects, and Kassi and Connor knew they would have to be addressed.

Just one day short of turning three months old, Daphne went in for open-heart surgery. Due to complications during surgery, Daphne tragically passed shortly after with her mom and dad by her side.

The grief Kassi and Connor are experiencing now cannot be put into words. To lose a child—at any age—is something no parent should ever have to go through.

I was never lucky enough to meet Daphne, but one look at any of the photos Kassi and Connor shared of them with her, and it was clear she was, and remains, the light of their lives.

Even in the midst of this unthinkable tragedy, the selflessness Kassi and Connor exhibit in their everyday life continues to shine through. In Daphne’s memory, they worked with Akron Children’s Hospital to start “Daphne’s Brave Heart,” a fund dedicated to supporting families navigating congenital heart disease diagnoses and open-heart surgery. For those interested in donating to that, click here.

As Kassi and Connor now learn to navigate their new normal, they are still faced with the expenses associated with Daphne’s medical journey. With Kassi and Connor’s blessing, I’m starting this GoFundMe to humbly ask anyone to donate if they are willing and able to. These expenses are the last thing these two amazing individuals—amazing parents—should have to deal with at this time.

Thank you in advance to anyone who donates.