Support Baby Hayes' Open Heart Surgery Recovery

Dear Friends and Family,

We are reaching out to you during a difficult time in Heather and Bowman's lives. Baby Hayes, a beautiful and perfectly healthy baby boy, was born on 6/30/24. Almost a month later, on July 26th, Hayes was rushed to the ER with breathing issues and was admitted into the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit. Hayes was diagnosed with Mitral Valve Regurgitation, causing the blood that is being pumped through the heart to not go where it needs to go. Specifically, this condition affects his blood pressure and puts stress on his tiny heart. His type of heart disease is rare and complex, as anything involving the heart valves requires a long and difficult procedure to repair it.

Baby Hayes has spent time in and out of the hospital since July, as doctor's attempted to delay his surgery to allow him to grow bigger and stronger. On October 17th, doctors informed Heather and Bowman that they could not wait any longer, and Hayes would need to have an open heart surgery within the next few days. They decided to get on a plane to Boston that same night, and went straight to Boston Children's Hospital where he was admitted. Although Hayes's condition is complex and rare, Boston Children's Hospital sees cases of the same condition from all over the country, so he is in the best hands possible.

Hayes had his first open heart surgery to repair the valve on October 24th, which was an 8 hour, triple-bypass procedure. Despite their hopes of the valve being repaired in the first procedure, Heather and Bowman received the devastating news that Hayes would need a second open heart surgery, as the first surgery was unsuccessful. On October 30th, Hayes received his second surgery, where a prosthetic valve was inserted into his heart. He continues to recover in the Intensive Care Unit and is getting stronger every day.

Bowman and Heather have not been able to hold or interact with baby Hayes since October 24th, as he has needed to be under sedation and on a ventilator. They are unable to stay with him in the hospital and have been staying at a local hotel, which has been costly. Their stay has been extended due to a second surgery, expenses are mounting, and we need your support to help cover the costs of lodging, meals and other incidentals.

Heather and Bowman are loving, dedicated parents who love their sweet baby boy more than anything. They have always been there for others, offering support and kindness whenever needed. Now, it’s our turn to be there for them.