gift card drive for xavier ross + family

Almost 5 months ago Xavier Ross went into CHOP for his Fontan, the third and often final open heart surgery to repair a Hypoplastic Left Heart. Typically with this surgery, the family prepares to be in the hospital for a week- and in some cases a month- while their child recovers, drains off extra fluid-etc. But while our buddy and warrior Xavier was recovering, something tragic happened. Something so rare that people who have been in the field for 15+ years have never even seen. Xavier's stitch from his Fontan burst and sent him into immediate cardiac arrest, internally bleeding (which led to externally bleeding) everywhere. A miracle happened that day when his surgeon was just a few feet away and was able to stitch his heart back up and save his life right there in his bed in the CICU. But there was of course damage that had already been done. Xavier's brain had already lost oxygen and his body went through such trauma that he is still, 5 months later, recovering on that same CICU floor. They are working hard on getting Xavier over to the rehabilitation side of CHOP and hope that transfer happens in the next month. But nothing is definite. Once there, it is projected that he will need 4-6 months in rehab- again nothing is definite. What is known is this Fontan- this possible at most month stay in the hospital that they initially prepared for has- in literally the blink of an eye- turned into what may be an entire year- or longer...

Jackie and Nate have been blessed with wonderful supportive parents who have eased the burden of worrying about their one year old sweet daughter Elliot. They know she is being cared for and loved on in their absence. They are able to take turns at the hospital- making sure Xavier is not left alone- and every day one of them tries to be home for a little bit to be with Elliot too. Their lives, like all of us, revolve around the well being of their children. Unfortunately, the stress of money has again taken its toll on them and simple things like gas to and from CHOP, diapers for Elliott, groceries, etc are becoming a burden and a stress that is just not needed right now.

I would like to see what we can all do together for the rest of HEART MONTH into March to help this family who is trying the best they can to keep it all together.
I am asking that you give a little heart and a little love- and send a little gift card to help ease these burdens. The best kind of gift cards to help their needs right now are Visa gift cards, CVS, Target, Giant and ACME. Any amount is a huge help. Every little bit adds up.

Please mail all gift cards to:
Hayden's Heart
c/o Ross Family
118 Bathurst Ave
North Arlington NJ 07031

If you include your name and address, we will mail you an Xavier support bracelet and enter your name into a raffle! For every ten cards we receive, we will add another prize to the raffle and once the drive is over, we will pull winners! Starts TODAY until March 17th!!


**Read more about Xavier and his journey on his Facebook page and blog. **