Meet Baby Isaiah

Isaiah McCain is the sweetest and strongest little baby you'll ever meet.

Born August 28, 2024, Isaiah has spent his whole life at Children's Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP) waiting for a heart transplant. He's overcome unimaginable odds and continues to persevere.

A Fighter from the Beginning

Isaiah's story began even before he was born. His parents, Jessica and Quentin, learned at their 20-week anatomy scan that Isaiah had a complex heart defect called Hypoplastic Left Heart Syndrome. Doctors explained that the left side of Isaiah's heart hadn't developed, and that his chance of survival was low.

A High-Risk Pregnancy and Emergency Delivery

As Jessica's pregnancy progressed, Isaiah's condition worsened. She was hospitalized so doctors could monitor and treat his heart. The doctors warned that Isaiah might not make it to birth, at one point telling them that they were in the "realm of heroic acts" to save their son. They chose hope, and Isaiah kept fighting.

To give Isaiah the best chance of survival, the McCains relocated 3 hours away from home to receive care at Children's Hospital of Philadelphia - one of the leading hospitals for pediatric heart conditions.

Soon after arriving, Isaiah's health declined, and Jessica was rushed to the OR for an emergency delivery. Instead of holding their newborn, Jessica and Quentin watched as he was taken straight to the ICU.

The Reality of Transplant and Isaiah's Incredible Strength

Two days later, they were told that Isaiah's only hope for survival was a heart transplant.

At just six days old, he had his first open-heart surgery to receive a mechanical heart pump - a temporary lifeline keeping him alive until his transplant. Since then, he's undergone multiple surgeries, survived respiratory arrest, and overcome a dangerous blood infection.

Through it all, Isaiah keeps fighting. He's meeting milestones - eating by mouth, babbling, smiling - and in many ways is on par with his heart-healthy peers. He does it all with a smile. He's truly "joy in a bottle."

Hope for Isaiah's "Hero Heart"

In June, they were filled with hope when Isaiah received a heart offer. Isaiah was taken to the OR, but after four long hours, they were told the heart wasn't a match.

They continue to wait for the perfect "hero heart" to give Isaiah a second chance at life.

Life on Hold and the Costs of Care

Jessica made the difficult decision to resign from her 16-year career to care for Isaiah full-time. Quentin continues working remotely to support the family. They face over $18,000 in medical bills, with more coming.

They've been staying at the Ronald McDonald House, but their stay ends in mid-August. They must find new housing in Philadelphia to remain close to Isaiah's care team, while still paying their mortgage and bills back home.

How You Can Help

Jessica and Quentin have faced every hardship with courage and grace. Now, they need help.

Your donation will directly support:

Whether through a contribution or by sharing their story, your support makes a difference.

Please keep sweet Isaiah in your thoughts and prayers - that the right heart would come at the right time, and that his little body would stay strong and ready.

If you’d like to donate through Venmo, please send your donations to:

@JessicaEMcCain

If prompted, the last four numbers of her phone number are 2118.