I want to express my heartfelt thanks for taking a moment to visit my fundraising page.

This year, we are walking with extra purpose as The Children's Heart Foundation celebrates 30 incredible years of funding research that saves lives and changes futures.

Mabel’s heart story began at our 22 week anatomy scan when we learned she had a rare and complex congenital heart defect called Ebstein’s Anomaly. Ebstein’s Anomaly is a congenital defect affecting the tricuspid valve, where the valve is displaced downward into the right ventricle instead of sitting in its normal position. This causes part of the heart to become “atrialized,” making it harder for the heart to pump blood effectively. It is an extremely rare condition, affecting approximately 1 in 200,000. 

In Mabel’s case, her tricuspid valve is severely displaced, and throughout pregnancy we underwent countless fetal echocardiograms while preparing for the unknown. We were told that we would not fully understand the severity of her condition until after birth when her lungs began functioning on their own.

I was induced at 38 weeks so that the NICU and cardiothoracic team could be ready for her arrival. After she was born, Mabel was taken directly to the NICU for breathing support and spent 6 long days there. 

Mabel’s diagnoses include:

• Ebstein’s Anomaly with severe apical displacement

• ASD with bidirectional shunting

• Multiple muscular VSDs

• PDA

• Ventricular pre-excitation/SVT risk

• Cardiomegaly and right atrial enlargement

Because of the way blood mixes through her heart, her oxygen saturation levels have remained lower than typical, usually in the 80s. We monitor her oxygen closely at home and she takes medication three times a day for SVT prevention. 

When Mabel was born, we were told she would likely need heart surgery by 4 months old. But over the last few months, this tiny girl has continued to surprise everyone! She has remained stable, continues to grow, and her team now believes she may be able to wait until closer to a year old or more for surgery which is something that feels nothing short of miraculous to us. They did warn us, however, that she will likely need multiple heart catheterizations before the big OHS. 

Today, Mabel is 4 months old. She is tiny but strong, resilient, and so deeply loved. Her story has already taught us more about courage, faith, and hope than we ever imagined possible.

I warmly invite you to become a part of this milestone journey by supporting my fundraising efforts. Together, we can raise the funds essential to continue the life-saving research that turns heartbreak into hope. Your contribution holds immeasurable value to me and to every family who needs CHF's support.

Thank you for your generosity, and for standing beside me in this mission. Your support means the world.