Raelynn, Congenital Heart Disease – Tetralogy of Fallot

For years our family listened and donated to the CMN Radiothon – always wanting to help others – but never fathomed that one day we would need that help ourselves.

Raelynn was born at Samaritan in November 2016 – a few weeks early, but seemingly healthy from what we knew. After 24 hours of up and down glucose tests, she was admitted to the NICU. Upon her admittance Dr. Komar found and diagnosed a heart defect – Tetralogy of Fallot. At three weeks old we handed Raelynn over to a doctor we just met – in Rochester – for her first Open heart surgery.

Being from the Watertown area our whole lives – our story had gotten around during the two months we spent in the hospital during a rollercoaster recovery. Friends and family had stepped up to help care for our 3 year old twins at home.

When Kristin (CMN) reached out to us a few short months later it was a huge blessing – as we had just been told that Raelynn needed a 2nd surgery on her tiny heart. We received our first DFAP (Direct Family Assistance Program) check the day we left for that surgery. It ensured that we could pay our rent and bills to keep a roof over our heads, and take care of our children even when away from home.

Since that day we have been a part of a family and met so many amazing people. We have had the chance to attend events that would not have been possible without CMN, and Miss Kristin has always made sure that all 3 of our girls were included. We have been honored to take part in every fundraiser that we possibly can. We are beyond grateful to have the love, support and lifelong friendships that we have built with other CMN families. We are always there to lean on and help one another in any way possible – it truly takes a village!