Love Jojo

Last fall started with the sweetest surprise, Brad and Jackie were surprised to learn they were finally expecting their second child after trying for over a year. The pregnancy seemed to be right on track until the new year came. January was a month of excitement followed by disbelief and heartache. At the beginning of the month, it was confirmed that Baby T#2 was a girl! Brad and Jackie quickly agreed on the name Jolene Marie, or Jojo as her big brother, Weston, likes to call her. Jojo was not being cooperative with the ultrasound tech at her anatomy scan so they were advised to get a second scan.
On January 9th, this couple got the devastating news that Jojo had a chronic congenital heart defect. The following day they met with a pediatric cardiologist at Phoenix Children's Hospital where they learned their baby girl's exact diagnosis: Tetralogy of Fallot with pulmonary atresia and MAPCAs. The fetal echocardiogram confirmed their worst fears, their baby girl would need a lot of medical attention once born, including open heart surgery and many other invasive procedures. 

Congenital heart defects affect about 40,000 babies each year. About 10,000 of those babies have Tetralogy of Fallot and only 300 of them have MAPCAs. Due to the MAPCAs (collateral arteries) the cardiologist found in her heart, Brad, Jackie, Weston, and Jojo will have to travel to California to see a specialist for her surgeries. 
Right now, this family is playing a waiting game. It has yet to be determined if they will have to deliver Jojo in California or if they can have her here in Phoenix. 

We want to show this family as much love and support as possible. They have been through years of struggles trying to get pregnant, several losses and now they face their biggest challenge yet. Brad's work has agreed to hold his job for him for as long as he needs but can only offer him two weeks paid off. The family does have medical insurance through his work but the medical bills from the endless appointments are already stacking up. Travel, lodging, and food are not covered by insurance regardless of where they have Jojo treated.

This fundraiser will help ease the burden medical costs and everyday financial stress for this family. There will be more opportunities in the coming weeks to purchase a shirt or wristband to show your love and support for Jojo. Until then, if you are able, this family will be forever thankful for any and all support that is given to them. 

You can follow Jackie's blog and Jojo's progress here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/Jojowiththefallot/ 

#LoveJojo #Jojowiththefallot #WestonsheartwarriorJojo