In November of 2024 my son River was born in Browning, MT at IHS. Shortly after birth he was transferred to Great Falls where they knew something was wrong with his heart, but could not identify what nor did they have the appropriate equipment to support him. He was emergently transferred to Seattle Children’s Hospital when he was 2 days old. I later learned that his heart condition was one of the more complex diagnoses to treat- Hypoplastic Left Heart Syndrome (HLHS). He had his first open heart surgery at 4 days old. Since that time River has had a complex medical course and required admission to the cardiac icu for his first 7 months. In his first year he had 2 open heart surgeries and numerous cardiac catheterizations. River had difficultly breathing on his own and got a trach placed in July 2025. Since that time River has some setbacks, but also made a lot of meaningful progress. He remains admitted to Seattle Children’s in hopes he will be clinically appropriate for his next cardiac operation that he needs to survive.

Due to River’s medical condition and need to be at Seattle Children’s Hospital, my family and I made the difficult decision to temporarily relocate to Seattle and have been staying at the Ronald McDonald House. River now has the love and support of myself (Patricia), grandparents, young uncle and 3 older sisters. Due to the need to relocate and our desire and need to remain together as a family unit, we have experienced financial challenges being away from home and the expense of living in Seattle. We appreciate any love and support we are able to receive so we can continue to be here and work to save River’s life. Our hope and dream is that River will one day be able to leave the hospital and return home to Montana as a family. We dream of River running around our family home and neighborhood, going to school, and playing basketball. River is so loved by his family, both in Seattle and home in Montana, as well as the dedicated staff at Seattle Children’s who care for him. We most enjoy River’s goofy personality and occasional naughtiness that brings a smile to our faces every single day.

We appreciate any support that can be provided to our family and River.