We were all excited to find out that Kayla and Joe Anthony were expecting their first child, a sweet baby boy named Elijah Jo. In January during Kayla’s ultrasound and anatomy scan, they saw something wrong with Elijah’s heart and she was promptly sent to a specialist. Originally, the specialists diagnosed baby Elijah (in utero) with Tetralogy of Fallot which would have needed immediate surgery at birth to repair his heart as it affects all four chambers. On May 31st, baby Elijah was born and after numerous echocardiograms, weekly doctor’s appointments, and even a NICU stay watching his heart - Elijah’s diagnosis changed from Tetralogy of Fallot to having a very large Ventricular Septal Defect or VSD. While not having Tetralogy of Fallot was wonderful news, Elijah would still require open heart surgery at approx. 4-6 months of age. That was the plan until a few days ago. VSD, sometimes referred to as a “hole in the heart”, is a birth defect of the heart in which there is a hole in the wall that separates the two lower chambers of the heart. Infants with VSD can develop heart failure and have feeding problems that lead to poor weight gain. As mentioned, most infants undergo surgical closure of the hole at 4-6 months of age. Elijah has been struggling with eating, weight gain, and failure to thrive during his precious 8 weeks of life. The defects from VSD cause a problem with the way his blood flows through his body, it is causing problems with his lungs and breathing and makes it harder than normal to function as it should. When the hole is large, like Elijah’s, the blood pumping from his ventricles Is ending up in his lungs which can create more acute issues. To prevent damage to his lungs and heart the cardiac specialists have decided to do emergent surgical repair via open heart surgery. This means Elijah will be put on a heart and lung machine that will maintain circulation for him while the surgeon closes the hole or VSD (ventricular septal defect). Along with the emotional and physical toll this journey will take, it will be accompanied by a host of financial stressors. Kayla planned to return to work this week as she was planning for Elijah’s surgery to be in 4-6 months. However, with the surgery being in two days she will now need to take unpaid leave. They will also have a host of other costs including the medical costs that insurance doesn’t cover from the surgery itself as they don't qualify for outside assistance. Many of you have asked how you can help. One thing they need is prayers! Not just for Elijah and the family but for his surgeons, doctors, and those that will be caring for him in the coming days and weeks as he heals. If you are able, let’s offer them some financial assistance so they can be fully present for him during this unexpected and uncertain time. Thank you all for your continued prayers. The family will keep you updated as they are able. Please keep Elijah Jo in your thoughts and prayers for a successful surgery and a speedy recovery.
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