Thiri’s 3rd Open Heart Surgery

Thiri

Hypoplastic left heart syndrome (HLHS) which is a birth defect that affects normal blood flow through the heart. As the baby develops during pregnancy, the left side of the heart does not form correctly.

HLHS is a congenital heart defect, meaning present at birth, and is considered a critical congenital heart defect which requires surgery and several other procedures shortly after birth.

According to the CDC, about 1 out of every 3,841 babies born in the United States each year is born with hypoplastic left heart syndrome. Unfortunately for Thiri, she was born having to endure this defect as her reality.

Thiri has had to undergo a variety of medical procedures and surgeries in an attempt to heal her heart. Her surgery on November 13, 2023 will mark her third major surgery in 965 days of her short life. For perspective, the average American has 6 major surgeries over an 85 year life span.

Our little one’s are in fact the most innocent of all creation and are born with an inate desire to love, learn, grow and be a walking, talking symbol of wonder and joy. As author Doris Bühler-Niederberger explains in an article, “The notion of innocence refers to children’s simplicity, their lack of knowledge, and their purity not yet spoiled by mundane affairs.”

Thiri certainly embodies all of these qualities and brings joy to every situation she has endured in her short couple years on this earth. Her joyfully amazing souls shines through her eyes which light up any room she is in and she certainly brings forth the stated qualities of having a childlike innocence.

While we know little Thiri will power through this surgery just like the previous two, the reality of any family having to care for a member experiencing several surgeries and a congenital condition is an emotionally, financially and physically draining experience. The stress, anxiety and fear experienced through these procedures not only effect little Thiri, but also her mom Kendra, who not only tends to Thiri and her daily needs also raises three other children under 10 largely on her own, and the remaining extended family are certainly a daunting reality.

While we have a wonderful family support system, the costs endured with extended hospital stays and being displaced from home certainly add up, and can be overwhelming.

We are asking for any help and support you can give to help cover costs incurred for lost wages, hotel stays, food and fuel to be close to Thiri and the hospital during her 3 week recovery as they live 2 hours from the hospital so going home will not be an option for 3 weeks.

Thank you so much for taking the time to read through and please offer support in any way you can. If a monetary donation is not feasible, we completely understand. Please share on any available social media outlets as you see fit