Avery Scarlett Murray's Story
Donation protected
Avery Scarlett Murray, daughter of Patrick and Jessica, and little sister to Liam, was born on June 3, 2015 at 5:27 am weighing 8.5 lbs. She was born at Mount Sinai Hospital in Toronto, but was quickly transfered to Sick Kids critical care unit where she would undergo her first open heart surgery at 9 days old.
At Jessica's routine 20 week ultrasound, they discovered the heartbreaking news that their baby had multiple significant congenital heart malformations. Doctors confirmed that their baby had a univentricular heart (basically half of a heart--only one ventricle to supply blood to the entire body). They soon discovered the heart was also reversed, amongst a few other things. After finding out what this all meant, they decided to proceed with the pregnancy and commit to all of the road blocks ahead. This would mean that the baby would need to undergo three stages of heart surgery; 1) at birth 2) 4-6 months of age and 3) age 2-3 years. Jessica was also told that she would need to be in Toronto for several follow-up appointments during her pregnancy and that she would eventually have to move there at least a month earlier than her due date of May 26. She was also informed that her baby would grow up needing special care, several medications and medical devices to help her along the way. Jessica and Patrick's lives would soon be much different with this child, but this was a challenge they were willing to take on together as a family!
In the last three weeks since birth, Avery has undergone the first open heart surgery, which went very well. The doctors are quite impressed with how well little Avery is recovering. She has a very strong heart! Her parents, Jessica and Patrick have been by her side every minute, as well as their families who have been down to support them during this time, as well as to help them take care of their son Liam. Liam has been staying at the Ronald McDonald House with them, as well as travelling to Barrie to visit and stay with Jessica's sister to help alleviate some stress along the way. They have been going back and forth from the RMH to Sick Kids, where they spend their days with Avery, while trying to juggle their many responsibilities, many of which are financial.
Their many trips back and forth the last few months have definitely taken a toll on them, not to mention living expenses while in Toronto and managing their home responsibilities in Sault Ste. Marie. Patrick travelled back and forth before the baby arrived to visit Jessica and Liam and now has to continue to go back and forth to work while Jessica stays by Avery's side. The doctors have told them that Avery's road to recovery will be a very challenging one. She will be required to remain at Sick Kids in Toronto until she is ready to go home and that they will need to return frequently for follow up appointments, and again for her next two big surgeries. The doctors have stressed to them that Avery is going to be one special little girl who will require a lot of extra care and love!
Since day one, Jessica and Patrick have been so thankful for their little miracle Avery and thank God for their many blessings. The care and support that they have received from friends and family, hospital staff, and the RMH has been tremendously overwhelming. In an effort to show our love and support to them and reduce their financial burden, we kindly ask you to DONATE and SHARE Avery Scarlett's Story. We also hope that you will continue to PRAY for this little fighter!
All our love,
Trisha Zago, Natalie Chlebus, Stacey Lucius, Sheena Baldwin, Joanna Chartrand, Jen Knight, Lisa Marie Didonato, Keely Martin, & Marlene Pavoni
At Jessica's routine 20 week ultrasound, they discovered the heartbreaking news that their baby had multiple significant congenital heart malformations. Doctors confirmed that their baby had a univentricular heart (basically half of a heart--only one ventricle to supply blood to the entire body). They soon discovered the heart was also reversed, amongst a few other things. After finding out what this all meant, they decided to proceed with the pregnancy and commit to all of the road blocks ahead. This would mean that the baby would need to undergo three stages of heart surgery; 1) at birth 2) 4-6 months of age and 3) age 2-3 years. Jessica was also told that she would need to be in Toronto for several follow-up appointments during her pregnancy and that she would eventually have to move there at least a month earlier than her due date of May 26. She was also informed that her baby would grow up needing special care, several medications and medical devices to help her along the way. Jessica and Patrick's lives would soon be much different with this child, but this was a challenge they were willing to take on together as a family!
In the last three weeks since birth, Avery has undergone the first open heart surgery, which went very well. The doctors are quite impressed with how well little Avery is recovering. She has a very strong heart! Her parents, Jessica and Patrick have been by her side every minute, as well as their families who have been down to support them during this time, as well as to help them take care of their son Liam. Liam has been staying at the Ronald McDonald House with them, as well as travelling to Barrie to visit and stay with Jessica's sister to help alleviate some stress along the way. They have been going back and forth from the RMH to Sick Kids, where they spend their days with Avery, while trying to juggle their many responsibilities, many of which are financial.
Their many trips back and forth the last few months have definitely taken a toll on them, not to mention living expenses while in Toronto and managing their home responsibilities in Sault Ste. Marie. Patrick travelled back and forth before the baby arrived to visit Jessica and Liam and now has to continue to go back and forth to work while Jessica stays by Avery's side. The doctors have told them that Avery's road to recovery will be a very challenging one. She will be required to remain at Sick Kids in Toronto until she is ready to go home and that they will need to return frequently for follow up appointments, and again for her next two big surgeries. The doctors have stressed to them that Avery is going to be one special little girl who will require a lot of extra care and love!
Since day one, Jessica and Patrick have been so thankful for their little miracle Avery and thank God for their many blessings. The care and support that they have received from friends and family, hospital staff, and the RMH has been tremendously overwhelming. In an effort to show our love and support to them and reduce their financial burden, we kindly ask you to DONATE and SHARE Avery Scarlett's Story. We also hope that you will continue to PRAY for this little fighter!
All our love,
Trisha Zago, Natalie Chlebus, Stacey Lucius, Sheena Baldwin, Joanna Chartrand, Jen Knight, Lisa Marie Didonato, Keely Martin, & Marlene Pavoni
Organizer
Natalie Chlebus
Organizer
Sault Ste Marie, ON