- G
Sweet Kallissa was born with multiple complex congenital heart defects, including single ventricle heart disease, TAPVR, pulmonary vein stenosis, transposition of the great arteries, right aortic arch, heterotaxy, right atrial isomerism, and asplenia. In simple terms, Kallissa was born with only half of a functioning heart. Despite every challenge placed in front of her, she has continued to show incredible strength, resilience, and determination throughout her young life.
On March 17th, Kallissa underwent her fourth open-heart surgery. Her heart defects are unfortunately not repairable, and this surgery was the final surgical option available to help extend and improve the oxygenated blood flow her body needs to survive. At this time, Kallissa does not qualify for a heart transplant, making this surgery even more critical for her future. What was expected to be a two-week hospital stay has now turned into more than eight weeks — and the journey is still ongoing.
Following surgery, Kallissa began experiencing severe chylous effusions, a complication involving leakage in the lymphatic system that causes fluid to collect around her lungs and chest. Her medical team has worked tirelessly to help her heal, but complications continue to persist. So far, Kallissa has endured four chest tubes, eight days without food or drink, a strict fat-restricted diet, a heart catheterization procedure, an interventional radiology surgery to locate and attempt to seal the leak, multiple daily medications and diuretics, and countless procedures, tests, and setbacks. She has only been home for one single day in the past two months before needing an emergency flight back to the hospital.
Through all of this, her family has remained by her side every step of the way. With a large family and the hospital located 4.5 hours from home, the emotional and financial strain has become overwhelming. Between missed work, hotel stays, gas, meals, hospital expenses, extra clothing, childcare logistics, and the challenge of being separated from one another for so long, the burden continues to grow daily. If you know Matt and his family, then you know how deeply they love and care for others. Right now, they need the support of their community as they continue fighting alongside Kallissa. Any donation, prayer, share, or kind word means more than we can express. Thank you for helping support this beautiful family during one of the hardest seasons of their lives.
On March 17th, Kallissa underwent her fourth open-heart surgery. Her heart defects are unfortunately not repairable, and this surgery was the final surgical option available to help extend and improve the oxygenated blood flow her body needs to survive. At this time, Kallissa does not qualify for a heart transplant, making this surgery even more critical for her future. What was expected to be a two-week hospital stay has now turned into more than eight weeks — and the journey is still ongoing.
Following surgery, Kallissa began experiencing severe chylous effusions, a complication involving leakage in the lymphatic system that causes fluid to collect around her lungs and chest. Her medical team has worked tirelessly to help her heal, but complications continue to persist. So far, Kallissa has endured four chest tubes, eight days without food or drink, a strict fat-restricted diet, a heart catheterization procedure, an interventional radiology surgery to locate and attempt to seal the leak, multiple daily medications and diuretics, and countless procedures, tests, and setbacks. She has only been home for one single day in the past two months before needing an emergency flight back to the hospital.
Through all of this, her family has remained by her side every step of the way. With a large family and the hospital located 4.5 hours from home, the emotional and financial strain has become overwhelming. Between missed work, hotel stays, gas, meals, hospital expenses, extra clothing, childcare logistics, and the challenge of being separated from one another for so long, the burden continues to grow daily. If you know Matt and his family, then you know how deeply they love and care for others. Right now, they need the support of their community as they continue fighting alongside Kallissa. Any donation, prayer, share, or kind word means more than we can express. Thank you for helping support this beautiful family during one of the hardest seasons of their lives.
Organizer and beneficiary
Matt Bishop
Beneficiary