Support Palmer's Heart Surgery Journey

Palmer Scheuerman was born on 6/15/2024. Her dad and mom were overjoyed with our new addition to the family. However, within 2 hours of being born, Palmer's breathing sounded like whimpers and her mom became concerned. The NICU Charge Nurse and Nurse Practitioner came to examine Palmer. Due to Palmer using other muscles to breathe and already showing signs of distress with her breathing, they decided it would be best if she went to the NICU and she was put on Oxygen.

The next day, the doctor examined Palmer and upped her Oxygen to 4L, put an NG tube in for feedings, and an IV for antibiotics. An X-ray and echocardiogram were done and we were shocked with the results. It turns out Palmer had fluid on her lungs that was clinical pneumonia and she was also then diagnosed with Perimembranous Ventricular Septal Defect. There is a hole in her heart between two chambers that is letting filtered blood mix in with unfiltered blood that gets filtered again and causes the fluid in the lungs. This is a large hole in the chamber that will not close on its own.

Miss Palmer worked really hard and was off oxygen and breathing on her own within 3 days but now we are trying to get her to bottle feed and that becomes more of a challenge for her. When Dad and Mom feed Palmer, we have to watch for signs of distress and if she is having trouble breathing or gets exhausted we have to stop and put the rest in her tube. Palmer is still in the NICU and has been put on a multivitamin with iron due to the filtered blood and also Lasix medication to keep the fluid off the lungs. She is continuously monitored and will need to see her pediatrician along with a cardiologist in Lincoln, NE which is almost a 2-hour drive for Mom and Dad.

When the Cardiologist deems it is safe and she is old enough, Palmer will have surgery to close the hole in her heart which we will travel to Omaha, NE for. Mom and Dad are hoping for help with travel, gas, medical expenses, hotel rooms, and whatever needs Palmer will need.