Lily's "Broken Heart"

My name is Josie Ladle. I've started this fundraiser to support my brother, Aubrey Newell, his wife, Kimee, and my wonderful niece, Lily. 4 year old Lily recently underwent a successful open-heart surgery for what she called her "broken heart". We are so grateful that the surgery went well and that she is healing. The stress and panic of awaiting surgery are over, but the new stress of medical bills is about to begin. We'd like to help alleviate that stress by contributing to the Newells' medical bills. We hope that this contribution will lessen the financial strain incurred through procedures, hospital stays, traveling to and from appointments, and missing work. This is especially important as the Newells will be welcoming a new baby into their family in August.

I'd like to share with you a post made by Aubrey on the day of Lily's heart surgery to give you more insight into Lily's condition and her personality. Thank you for anything that you can donate to help their family and remember to share this page with others!

"Dear friends and family, Kimee, Lily, and I are so very grateful for your love and support.

A few years ago, Lily’s pediatrician found she had a heart murmur, later diagnosed as an Atrial Septal Defect, which essentially means she has a hole in her heart. It was also diagnosed that she also has multiple pulmonary veins which are connected in the wrong places that will need to be fixed as well. They told us to wait until she was around 4 years old before doing the surgery. Lily turned 4 in February and with a recent MRI and Sedated Echo, it was determined the surgery should happen and was scheduled for today June 15th.

Lily has been a trooper throughout the years going through all the tests and Primary Children’s hospital has been very accommodating in helping Lily feel comfortable. Lily was able to drive a toy car to the room for anesthesia. They even allowed her to pick her anesthesia flavor; last week she picked strawberry for her test and today for her surgery she picked a tropical punch.

Lily is an amazing kid who loves and makes friends with everyone. Just the other day she made a friend with a cashier at Five Guys Burger & Fries and decided they were best friends and they even got a photo together. Today while getting prepared she made friends with all her doctors and nurses.

This whole thing has been an emotional rollercoaster for all of us. People have asked me how I feel and I will tell them I am doing alright… The truth is in general I am doing alright but I still have moments of sadness, worry, fear, and the feeling of compressing a panic attack and I am sure Kimee has had many of the same feelings. The thing that has helped me the most is the feeling of support from family and friends and especially our heavenly father who I know is watching and protecting Lily.

Today I want to thank all of you for your love and support."

Thank you.