We Heart The Dart's ❤️
Donation protected
UPDATE!!!!
Kylee Dart has found her heart!!!
Susan was at CHOP with Kylee for a heart catheterization already when the transplant team came in and broke the news this afternoon. We don't know from where or from whom the heart is coming, but we are told that it is the perfect heart for her. We are both overwhelmed with gratitude and amazed that what was supposed to be over a year wait for a heart to become available was not even 4 months.
We are somewhat overwhelmed. This is it. BUT, we know that God has brought her this far has made her stronger now than she ever has been. We don't know too many details, other than transplant will happen tonight. We appreciate all the prayers you have to offer.
We'll share as we get more detail.
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If you're reading this, you very well may know Ed and Susan Dart and their 4 kids: Cora (11), David (10), Maggie (7) and Kylee (4 1/2). Kylee was born essentially with half of a functioning heart, only having a single (right) ventrical. Kylee unofficially became part of the Dart family at 7 weeks old, when she was released from CHOP into the Chester County foster care system. But she wasn't officially added to their family until August 1, 2014 when her adoption was finalized. Since her birth, she's gone through three reconstructive open heart surgeries and in November 2016, had two more back-to-back to place a synthetic valve and pacemaker. All gave her a great chance of making it many years with her anatomy, until December 30, 2016. During a routine follow up visit, Kylee's cardiologist shared that she was in significant heart failure and needed an almost immediate admission for IV drugs, and with anticipation of needing a heart transplant. She's been back at CHOP now since New Year's Eve and continued to worsen until the doctors determined that implantation of a ventricular assist device (VAD) was not only necessary but urgent. The VAD will act as a bridge to heart transplant, which she has now been listed for, status 1A (highest priority). There's a chance that she could be sent home on the VAD, but it remains to be seen. This hospital stay is expected to last anywhere from 2 1/2 months to 9 months, or longer, depending on whether or not she has to remain hospitalized until transplant. The VAD itself will have Kylee tethered to a 2-ft power chord and battery backup cable until the Lord provides a donor heart. She'll miss her beloved baths and swimming in the pool, but there's hope that one day in the next two years she'll be able to return to a normal life.
As you can imagine, having to sustain a months-long hospital stay is a grueling task. While Susan is at Kylee's side 24/7 at CHOP, Ed is holding down the fort at home with the other kids and working full time. Thankfully, several very compassionate and loving people have volunteered to homeschool the kids. But, as you can imagine, the financial impact of a months-long hospital stay can really become a strain. Among other things,
-Susan purchases most of her meals at the hospital
-The 100 mile round trip is made several times a week eats up gas and it costs to park, although it's a nominal fee considering it's center city Philadelphia.
- Ed and Susan need to avail themselves of convenience as often as possible to keep sane
-The kids need some additional distractions and need to feel special as so much of their parents' focus is directed toward their younger sister.
-Adjustments will need to be made to their home to accomodate Kylee's VAD.
If this stay were to be a couple of weeks, it would be pretty easy for them to float the additional expenses. But an indefinite stay will bring challenges on all sides. They face an uphill battle to juggle all things and preserve their family cohesion being separated, but confident that the Lord will provide all they need.
Ed and Susan have spent their lives caring for, helping, loving and serving others in a myriad of ways and now we have a chance to help lighten their load in a small way.
The Lord himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged.” Deuteronomy 31:8
Kylee Dart has found her heart!!!
Susan was at CHOP with Kylee for a heart catheterization already when the transplant team came in and broke the news this afternoon. We don't know from where or from whom the heart is coming, but we are told that it is the perfect heart for her. We are both overwhelmed with gratitude and amazed that what was supposed to be over a year wait for a heart to become available was not even 4 months.
We are somewhat overwhelmed. This is it. BUT, we know that God has brought her this far has made her stronger now than she ever has been. We don't know too many details, other than transplant will happen tonight. We appreciate all the prayers you have to offer.
We'll share as we get more detail.
----------------------------------------------------
If you're reading this, you very well may know Ed and Susan Dart and their 4 kids: Cora (11), David (10), Maggie (7) and Kylee (4 1/2). Kylee was born essentially with half of a functioning heart, only having a single (right) ventrical. Kylee unofficially became part of the Dart family at 7 weeks old, when she was released from CHOP into the Chester County foster care system. But she wasn't officially added to their family until August 1, 2014 when her adoption was finalized. Since her birth, she's gone through three reconstructive open heart surgeries and in November 2016, had two more back-to-back to place a synthetic valve and pacemaker. All gave her a great chance of making it many years with her anatomy, until December 30, 2016. During a routine follow up visit, Kylee's cardiologist shared that she was in significant heart failure and needed an almost immediate admission for IV drugs, and with anticipation of needing a heart transplant. She's been back at CHOP now since New Year's Eve and continued to worsen until the doctors determined that implantation of a ventricular assist device (VAD) was not only necessary but urgent. The VAD will act as a bridge to heart transplant, which she has now been listed for, status 1A (highest priority). There's a chance that she could be sent home on the VAD, but it remains to be seen. This hospital stay is expected to last anywhere from 2 1/2 months to 9 months, or longer, depending on whether or not she has to remain hospitalized until transplant. The VAD itself will have Kylee tethered to a 2-ft power chord and battery backup cable until the Lord provides a donor heart. She'll miss her beloved baths and swimming in the pool, but there's hope that one day in the next two years she'll be able to return to a normal life.
As you can imagine, having to sustain a months-long hospital stay is a grueling task. While Susan is at Kylee's side 24/7 at CHOP, Ed is holding down the fort at home with the other kids and working full time. Thankfully, several very compassionate and loving people have volunteered to homeschool the kids. But, as you can imagine, the financial impact of a months-long hospital stay can really become a strain. Among other things,
-Susan purchases most of her meals at the hospital
-The 100 mile round trip is made several times a week eats up gas and it costs to park, although it's a nominal fee considering it's center city Philadelphia.
- Ed and Susan need to avail themselves of convenience as often as possible to keep sane
-The kids need some additional distractions and need to feel special as so much of their parents' focus is directed toward their younger sister.
-Adjustments will need to be made to their home to accomodate Kylee's VAD.
If this stay were to be a couple of weeks, it would be pretty easy for them to float the additional expenses. But an indefinite stay will bring challenges on all sides. They face an uphill battle to juggle all things and preserve their family cohesion being separated, but confident that the Lord will provide all they need.
Ed and Susan have spent their lives caring for, helping, loving and serving others in a myriad of ways and now we have a chance to help lighten their load in a small way.
The Lord himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged.” Deuteronomy 31:8
Organizer and beneficiary
Alicia Murphy
Organizer
Downingtown, PA
Ed Dart
Beneficiary