Help Us Save Baby Vader's Life

Hello, I'm Christa, and I'm reaching out to you with a plea for help and support for my daughters, Celia and Lydia, and their baby brother, Vader. Vader was born almost 10 months ago with severe and complex heart defects, as well as heterotaxy, a rare condition where some of his organs are located in the wrong place.

Vader's journey began with his first heart surgery at just three days old, and for the first four months of his life, he remained at the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP), fighting for his life. His critical condition required him to stay in the Cardiac Intensive Care Unit (CICU) for an extended period.

In March, he finally returned home to Knoxville, Tennessee, but his daily struggles continued. He requires around-the-clock medical attention, with doctor's appointments at least four times a week and a regimen of daily medications that he'll need for the rest of his life. His medical needs are so specialized that Tennessee doctors couldn't provide the necessary care, and he was airlifted back to Philadelphia due to life-threatening low oxygen levels.

Since July, Vader has been at Children's Hospital Vanderbilt in Nashville for crucial heart surgery. While the surgery itself went well, the post-surgery period has been challenging. His liver's ammonia levels remain dangerously high, even with dialysis. He spent many days on full life support, which unfortunately caused blood flow issues to his tiny fingers and toes, and doctors are considering amputation for the ones that turned black.

These are just some of the difficulties Vader is facing, as he has a long list of medical conditions. Every day is a struggle, and his dad, Daniel, has been by his side 24/7, making short trips back to Knoxville for essential tasks like taking his other sons, Victor and Vincent, to school and cub scouts. Daniel is the sole caretaker of Vader, and his dedication has been unwavering.

Victor and Vincent are also Daniel's sons, as well as Celia and Lydia's half-brothers. They are aged 5 and 3, respectively. Daniel's 80-year-old mother has temporarily relocated to provide assistance, while the rest of the family chips in wherever they can. Victor, who just started kindergarten, travels back and forth to Nashville for Vader's care while Vincent is cared for by their wonderful babysitter.

Unfortunately, Daniel hasn't been able to work much in the last 10 months due to his full-time role as Vader's caregiver. The support from the community has been incredible, with many contributing to a meal train. However, the reality of medical bills and other expenses has become overwhelming. It's also important to note that Vader's mother, who is also Victor and Vincent's mother, has had very little involvement with Vader since his birth.

We are asking for your financial help to alleviate the financial burden on Daniel. He deserves to focus on being by Vader's side without the added stress of mounting bills. Vader's journey is far from over, but we have unwavering hope, belief in prayer, and faith in miracles.

We believe in the power of community and the strength of many hearts coming together. Your support, both financially and through your prayers, is invaluable to us. Vader is a blessing to all of us, and we are determined to fight for his life. We ask you to pray for Vader's recovery and for Daniel's well-being as he continues to provide love and care to his son.

Vader's story is one of hope, resilience, and the unbreakable bonds of family and community. We thank you from the bottom of our hearts for your help and for being part of Vader's village. Your love for Vader, Daniel, Celia, Lydia, Victor, and Vincent means the world to us.

Please contribute what you can, and if you can't, please share this campaign with your friends and family. We appreciate your support more than words can express.

Thank you for being a part of Vader's journey to recovery and for making a difference in his life. Together, we can be the miracle he needs.

With heartfelt gratitude,

Christa and the entire family

Update 11/2/2023: Vader is still at Vanderbilt in CICU having trouble breathing and has lost some of his little fingertips. He will have to have another heart surgery in the days ahead. Please continue to pray, share and help if you can. Thank you.