Help Baby Ezra on His Journey to Healing

At our 16-week ultrasound, we received news no parent is ever prepared for—our baby, Ezra, was diagnosed with a congenital heart defect called Atrioventricular Septal Defect (AVSD). This condition means that the center of Ezra’s heart didn’t form properly, leaving holes between the chambers and affecting the valves that control blood flow.

To repair his heart, Ezra will undergo open-heart surgery on May 13th at Dell Children’s Hospital. After surgery, he will spend a week in the ICU, and we’ll need to remain in Austin for at least two additional weeks to stay close to the hospital in case of any complications.

The emotional weight of this journey has been heavy, and financially it’s taken a toll as well. Ray has already used all his time off for appointments, and the time needed for Ezra’s surgery and recovery will be unpaid. We're reaching out to our friends, family, and community to help ease the burden. Donations will go toward medical expenses, travel costs between Giddings and Austin (as Elaina and Aiden finish out their school year), and other essentials during this time.

More than anything, we are grateful for your prayers, love, and support. We are believing for complete healing for our sweet boy and feel incredibly blessed to be surrounded by such an amazing and caring community.

With love and gratitude,


Ray and Valarie Hernandez