Support the Mancini's journey with HLHS diagnosis

***UPDATE May 29th, 2023*** Max was born on January 4th of 2023. We knew at the anatomy scan that he had a severe critical heart defect called Hypoplastic Left Heart Syndrome. He spent the first three months of his life, exactly, in the cardiovascular ICU after his first of three open heart surgeries, this one called, The Norwood. He basically has half a heart and the expert team of doctors and surgeons have re-plumbed his heart to reroute the blood flow, essentially causing his red and blue blood to mix (this is what they want). He has a Cath procedure coming up and two more surgeries - the Glenn and the Fontan. Max is doing good. He'll never have a normal heart, unless he has to have a transplant, but he can have a somewhat normal life, God willing. We have a ways to go. The first few years of life for HLHS kids is always rough; that's what we're told, and so far that's been true. We are in a period right now called "Interstage" where the mortality rate is highest, so we've pulled our daughter from school to protect us from any potential illness, any of which could prove fatal for Max. This is life right now. Max is here and he is so loved. If you have any questions, feel free to ask in the comments and I can address them in a video. And if you feel so inclined, any amount of donation is so helpful and so appreciated. Thank you! ----------------------------------------- On April 27th, 2022, we discovered that we were pregnant with our second child, who is due to enter the world in early January 2023. On July 6th, we learned it was a boy! This was such great news as there are only a handful of boys on both sides of our family. We named him Maximillian Robert. Then on August 16th, the shocking news came after his first full anatomy scan. Max is afflicted with a severe congenital heart defect, which was soon diagnosed as Hypoplastic Left Heart Syndrome (HLHS). Mystified, worried, confused, scared, and saddened were a fraction of the many emotions and states of mind we would soon find ourselves in. HLHS is simply and thoroughly explained here https://www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/heartdefects/hlhs.html Since the diagnosis, our lives have been a flurry of doctor's visits and planning sessions for all that lies ahead. One of the main difficulties we are up against is that the hospital specializing in pediatric cardiology happens to be in Oklahoma City, a 1.5 hours drive one way, and that's in perfect weather. In the months ahead, we will travel back and forth to OKC for weekly ultrasound and OBGYN appointments about ten times until finally, we will be admitted into the hospital and begin the rigors of induction and childbirth. Both the doctors and we are hoping for a normal birth. Thankfully, Afton is in good health and the pregnancy has been normal. Once born, Max will be stabilized and scheduled for his first of three significant surgeries designed to reroute the blood flow in and around his heart, called the Norwood. The second, the Glenn, will come at about four to six months of life, and the third and final, The Fontan, at about 2-3 years. After each of these procedures, the post-op process is estimated to be about three months long, at the very least. During that time, Afton will relocate to Oklahoma City, presumably staying at the Ronald McDonald House, but possibly in an extended stay AirBnb. I will remain in Tulsa, tending to Minerva, the cats, the house, and teaching five days a week at the University of Tulsa. Minerva and I will hopefully travel down to OKC to see Max and spend time with Afton as much as possible. I can't even imagine what kind of stress, both emotionally and financially, this will place on us. We are in no position to turn down any form of assistance at this point, which is why we are starting this fundraiser. Afton will be obviously taking off from her work as a professional chorister at her church job as long as she is in OKC. This alone will put us in a rough spot financially. We fortunately have Soonercare Medicaid which seems to be covering everything so far, but we’re not sure about what that will look like with everything that’s to come. We have amazing support in many other forms from our families, church, and friends, but as you can imagine, this will still be a trying time for all. We have received countless messages from friends and fans who have asked how they can help and where they can donate, so this is the place to do so. We cannot thank you enough for your generosity during this time. Everything helps, including your prayers. Please never cease praying! Thank you! The Mancinis