Shya Jade Baello’s medical and memorial expenses

Dear family & friends,

My beautiful and strong niece Shya Jade Baello (daughter of Rachelle and Darryl Baello) went home quickly with her Creator on Friday September 8. In the midst of all her health challenges she lived a full life of joy, meaning, and purpose.

For those who are unfamiliar with her story, I’ll try my best to summarize baby Shya’s heart journey.

In Rachelle’s first trimester, Shya was diagnosed with trisomy 21 (Down Syndrome) along with congenital heart defects requiring multiple heart surgeries. Despite this news, Darryl & Rachelle decided to follow God’s calling and purpose for their new family. On October 20, 2022 their sweet and perfect babygirl was welcomed into the world and changed our lives forever.

Less than one month old, she underwent her first open heart surgery on November 14, 2022. Her recovery from this surgery was rough to say the least. There were hard days and weeks after major setbacks and curveballs were thrown their way. Major withdrawal symptoms, infection scares, a blood clot in the heart, an unfortunate readmission for Covid to name a few.. But our little warrior fought hard! With the support of their community, Darryl and Rachelle held on to their faith, experienced countless of answered prayers and have seen God’s hand and sovereignty in every situation.

After 3 long months of hospital life, they were discharged at the end of January of this year. The transition wasn’t easy, but they were just grateful to finally be home with their babygirl. As she slowly recovered, Shya was such a happy baby and thrived at home. Darryl and Rachelle committed themselves to being full time medical parents and provided her the best care managing her pain, anticoagulation shots, administering her tube feedings, frequent doctors appointments, physical/occupational therapy etc.

Darryl and Rachelle were grateful for the

extra time God gave them to be with Shya before her next heart procedure. She was able to celebrate her first Valentine’s Day, Easter, so many family birthdays, and spend quality time with all her closest family and friends. She loves watching her favorite homegirl on YouTube-Ms. Rachel (five little ducks is her jam). We discovered one of her many secret talents like cheerleading and beatboxing. But her most natural talent was bringing joy to everyone she meets with her chunky cheeks and feet and her sweet bright smile.

On June 29, Shya underwent a cardiac cath procedure to determine the next steps to surgically repair her heart. Unfortunately this “simple” procedure led to another month long dreadful hospital admission. It was another emotional rollercoaster of almost losing her but Shya beat the odds and was able to come home again!

In August, Shya’s medical team determined that her heart anatomy was too complex to operate on and is not a candidate for future heart surgeries. With this heartbreaking news, Darryl and Rachelle were left with only 2 options: the very low possibility of a heart transplant or let time take its course and enjoy every moment with her.

On September 8th, God called her home. As painful as it is losing her, we believe her last day on earth was divinely orchestrated by the Lord. We are hurting and grieving but also rejoicing. Rejoicing in the truth that she is with her Heavenly Father for eternity, free from any pain and suffering, with a new and perfect heart. She is smiling big and showing off her cheerleading and beatboxing skills in heaven as we speak.

Although her time on earth was short, Shya was so deeply loved. God couldn’t have entrusted her to better parents. They never left her side. Even through the unimaginable suffering, Darryl and Rachelle said they would do it all over again because Shya’s life is one worth fighting for. Their steadfast and sacrificial love for Shya has been a beautiful reflection of God’s love for all of us.

Their story has inspired and encouraged so many as they overcame each obstacle and have experienced miracle after miracle. They have taught us what complete surrender, genuine faith, and strength looks like.

Rachelle and Darryl have kindly denied any kind of physical or financial help throughout their journey thus far. They have never asked for help but I would like to shower them with our love and start this gofundme (or directly Venmo/Zelle them) to cover pending medical bills and funeral expenses ensuring that our little heart warrior has a memorial as beautiful and special as her and one their family deserves.

We thank everyone who has been following and praying over Shya’s journey since day one. We strongly believe it was your prayers and support that have carried their family through. Thank you also for everyone’s overwhelming love and support to our family during this difficult time. Please continue to lift up Darryl and Rachelle and their families in your prayers.

(Info regarding services soon to follow)