Parents of Baby with Rare Congenital Heart Defect

My nephew, Zach, and his wife, Anne, are expecting their first baby, and on Monday, July 3, 2023 they found out sweet baby boy, Cooper Anthony, has an extremely rare congenital condition called ectopia cordis. In simple terms Cooper’s heart is outside his chest cavity. Needless to say, Zach, Anne and our entire family are devastated by this news. Zach and Anne received a second opinion on Wednesday, which confirmed the diagnosis of ectopia cordis, as well as what appears to be hypoplastic right heart syndrome, which means the right side of the baby’s heart is underdeveloped. Next week, Zach and Anne, along with each of their parents will be traveling to St. Louis, MO for an appointment/consultation at the St. Louis Fetal Care Institute and will be meeting with doctors, nurses, social workers, genetic counselors, and other members of the care team. Anne will have another ultrasound and an echocardiogram done on the baby. Once they have the results, the doctors will have a better idea of what treatment/procedures baby Cooper will need immediately upon birth. Zach and Anne are on a single income and will be in need of support through the duration of Anne’s pregnancy and the months following baby Cooper’s birth. The Fetal Institute and Hospital are approximately three hours from their home, they will be making weekly to bi-weekly trips to St. Louis and at some point, Anne will be required to stay in the St. Louis area in anticipation of Cooper’s birth. Zach and Anne are also going to need to stay close to the hospital once baby Cooper is born. In addition to asking for prayers for a miracle of complete healing for Cooper, for guidance and wisdom for Zach and Anne as they make their way in these uncharted waters, for skilled and compassionate physicians and nurses, we are asking for donations to help with traveling, lodging and other costs associated with Anne and Cooper’s medical care. We are already seeing God’s hand at work. Please keep the prayers coming. Thank you! Christina and Family