Greg and Piper Mitchell were overjoyed to announce at their wedding in September that they were expecting their first child in April 2023.  In October they learned they would be expecting a boy, who shortly thereafter they named Harvey Lou Mitchell.  While at the 24 week ultrasound, some concerning images of the heart were found.  Pediatric Cardiology performed a fetal echocardiogram which revealed very little function in Harvey’s left ventricle and almost no blood flow leaving the heart through the aorta.  This condition was diagnosed as Hypoplastic Left Heart Syndrome (HLHS), a congenital heart defect which occurs in less than 1% of babies and, despite continued research, a cause for HLHS has not been identified. Harvey does not have classic presentation of HLHS, which makes his condition even more rare – and, unfortunately, less studied. However, Mayo Clinic and Children’s Minnesota have a partnership and a multi-disciplinary team of doctors, surgeons, and specialists who have a plan to provide the best outcome possible.  The plan for Harvey’s first few years of life is complex.  Piper will relocated to Minneapolis at 36 weeks of pregnancy to ensure Harvey’s birth will take place at Children’s Hospital.  Greg will relocate one week later.  Between 3-7 days after birth, Harvey will undergo his first open-heart surgery (the Norwood) to reroute blood vessels to allow the ventricle to pump blood more efficiently, requiring a subsequent stay in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) of 4-6 weeks.  Around 4-6 months, Harvey will undergo his second surgery (the Glenn) at Mayo Clinic, requiring additional weeks in the NICU and recovery time at home.  Then,  finally, between 18 months and 4 years of age, he will undergo a third surgery (the Fontan).  Many complications and bumps in the road are to be expected but babies with congenital heart defects are commonly known as heart warriors, and Mom and Dad expect Harvey to be just that – a warrior.

When you donate to this online fundraiser, Lend A Hand Up will increase your gift 20%, making your generosity go further.  All money raised will go to help Greg & Piper pay for medical expenses, prescriptions, travel/lodging and lost wages so they can focus on their newborn. Cash/Checks will not be boosted but can be gifted directly to the couple.