Baby Aiden Heart Fund

Baby Aiden was born to Josie O'Donnell and Ryan Washburn via emergency C-section on December 10, 2015 with Hypoplastic Left Heart Syndrome at the University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics.  

Hypoplastic Left Heart Syndrome is a rare congenital birth defect that affects 960 babies a year.  This heart defect means that the left side of Aiden's heart is under developed.  Normally, the left side of the heart pumps the oxygen-rich blood to the body.  For Aiden, the right side of the heart has to do the job of both the right and left side of the heart, mixing oxygen-rich and oxygen-poor blood. 

There is no cure for Hypoplastic Left Heart Syndrome.  Aiden has already undergone 1 emergency surgery at just over 24 hours old.  To help restore heart function, 3 additional surgeries will be performed.  One within the first 2 weeks of life, another at 4-6 months of age and a third between 18 months and 3 years of age.  

Josie will not be able to return to work as she will be Aiden's main caretaker.  Obviously, their medical bills will be quite overwhelming for a young family on 1 income but additionally, Josie and Ryan will stay with Aiden in Iowa City for as long as they possibly can.  They have not yet been able to get into the Ronald McDonald House and parking costs at UIHC add up quickly.  Maintaining living expenses while being in Iowa City most certainly adds to their financial burden.  

Please consider donating money to help pay for Aiden's surgeries and the hardship of staying so far from home to be with their newborn son.  Any dollar amount will help and go directly to Josie and Ryan.

Please share this post to help get the word out so that we can help this sweet little family!