When I was 21 weeks pregnant, our world changed in an instant. During our anatomy scan, we learned that our precious baby girl, Kinsley, had a congenital heart defect called aortic stenosis.
As if that news wasn't devastating enough, we were told that her condition would likely progress to Hypoplastic Left Heart Syndrome (HLHS), meaning the left side of her heart would stop developing. We were told she would need an entirely new heart one day. Those words shattered us. We walked through the rest of my pregnancy carrying fear, uncertainty, and countless prayers.
But God had a different plan.
Against what we had been told to expect, Kinsley did not develop HLHS. We witnessed a miracle that gave us hope in the middle of the unknown.
At just two weeks old, Kinsley underwent open-heart surgery. She had the Ross-Konno procedure, where surgeons replaced her damaged aortic valve and reconstructed the pathway out of her heart. Watching our tiny newborn be wheeled into surgery was one of the hardest moments of our lives, but she showed us just how strong she was.
At six months old, Kinsley needed another heart procedure to place a stent. Although she has already overcome so much in her short life, her journey is far from over. She will require lifelong care from her cardiology team and multiple heart surgeries as she grows.
Through every appointment, procedure, and hospital stay, Kinsley has reminded us what true courage looks like. Her smile, her strength, and her joy continue to inspire everyone who meets her.
Every donation made through this fundraiser will go directly to the heart foundation, helping provide hope and support to children and families facing congenital heart disease. Your generosity helps fund life-saving research, family support programs, education, resources, and advancements in pediatric cardiac care that give children like Kinsley the opportunity to live longer, healthier lives. We know firsthand how life-changing this community is, and we hope that through this fundraiser, we can help other families walking this same difficult journey.
Every donation made through this fundraiser will go directly to the heart foundation, helping provide hope and support to children and families facing congenital heart disease. Your generosity helps fund life-saving research, family support programs, education, resources, and advancements in pediatric cardiac care that give children like Kinsley the opportunity to live longer, healthier lives. We know firsthand how life-changing this community is, and we hope that through this fundraiser, we can help other families walking this same difficult journey.