Gabrielle’s baby will need HEART SURGERY

My wonderful niece Gabrielle is having her first baby, it’s a BOY!! Due April 8th

Doctors have discovered that baby boy has a congenital heart disease called Coarctation of the Aorta. Congenital heart disease is an abnormality in the heart that develops before birth. Coarctation of the Aorta basically mean there is a narrowing in the aorta, causing an enlarged chamber of the heart, once the baby is born the heart will have to work harder to attempt to push blood through the narrow opening.

Due to this, Gabrielle will be required to deliver the baby at UW medical center then the baby will be immediately transferred to Children’s Hospital for surgery. Doctors will not be inducing labor, therefore Gabby will need to stay in the Seattle area prior to her due date to for Doctor visits and to insure she is close enough when she goes into labor. She will also need to stay after the baby is born for as long as necessary for the baby to recover from surgery.

The Doctor tells us that this should be the only surgery baby will need and baby boy is otherwise healthy! We are so thankful it was detected early and there is a plan in place to ensure the health of momma and baby.

During this unexpected extended stay away from home, we are asking for donations to help cover the costs of travel and lodging for Gabrielle and a family member. We have also looked into programs through Children’s hospital to help offset the cost.