Hello. My name is Sabrina Ragsdale. I was diagnosed with heart failure in 2019. I had major surgery to get the LVAD (left ventricular assist device) implanted in my heart because my condition was worsening. Life hasn’t been easy being on this machine 24/7, but I’m still alive.

I ended up getting pregnant with my baby girl in 2024. I thought something like that would never happen for me. The pregnancy wasn’t easy at all, but I love my baby so much. I was constantly in and out of the hospital. As my baby girl grew inside of me, my heart failure symptoms got worse. But I was willing to carry my baby full term even if it killed me. I made it to 24 weeks, and she decided to make her grand entrance on February 11. They were prepping me for a c-section, but at the last minute, the doctor said I could push her out. She came out weighing 1 lb 11 oz. She’s very tiny and strong. I love her so much.

We’re having transportation issues because our car won’t make it that far to the hospital. I’m disabled, and I can’t work. My husband works and goes to school. He pays the bills to keep a roof over our head, but we’re struggling to manage. I’m home now, and my baby is in the NICU. Postpartum depression has hit me hard. I cry every second for my baby. I need my baby. I had a home health aide before I was in the hospital, but they stopped my services while I was in there. We try to maintain our home and keep it clean, but because my husband is constantly working and going to school, he never has time. And with my disability, I'm too weak to do it. I’m so broken. I just want to be with my baby girl. I’ve never done anything like this before. I just don’t know what else to do. If anyone can help, our family will greatly appreciate it. Thank you.