Help Give Baby Ivey the New Heart She Needs to Stay Alive

82%

$82,600 raised of $100k

Carlos Martinez donated $25 ›

I’ve written this on behalf of Ivey’s parents, McKayla and Brandon, who have been living inside a hospital room for months while their baby girl fights for her life. For over half a year, they have done everything a parent could possibly do — staying strong, staying present, and staying by their daughter’s side every single day — while waiting for the surgery that could save her life. But despite all their efforts, they eventually reached a heartbreaking truth: the emotional and financial weight of this journey has become impossible to carry alone. They now need help. Here’s her story… Sweet baby Ivey was diagnosed with a congenital heart defect when McKayla was just 18 weeks pregnant. Even with that early warning, nothing prepared her parents for what happened after she was born. Shortly after entering the world, Ivey’s tiny heart could no longer keep up, and she went into heart failure. Her medical team explained that she would need a heart transplant to survive. To keep her alive while waiting for a donor, Ivey received a VAD — a ventricular assist device that helps her heart pump blood while her own heart struggles to function. This machine is currently what keeps her stable enough to continue fighting. Ivey has now been on the transplant list for 159 days, waiting for the call that could give her a chance at life outside the hospital. Every day on that list is filled with fear and uncertainty, yet she continues to amaze everyone around her with her strength. McKayla and Brandon have stayed beside her through every procedure, every setback, and every long night. They have now spent over 200 days in the hospital — sleeping in chairs, living out of bags, doing everything they can to hold onto hope while watching their daughter fight for her life. What makes their situation even harder is that the healthcare system here, the NHS, has reached a limit in what it can offer. Despite her condition, Ivey was told she does not meet the protocol for the urgent surgical pathway she desperately needs. With no clear timeline and no alternative options offered, her only real chance for survival now lies with a specialized team in the United States — the only team willing and able to attempt the complex surgery that could save her. The cost of this highly specialized care, plus travel, hospital stays, and post-operative treatment, is far beyond what any family could manage alone. The funds raised here will go directly toward Ivey’s medical needs and the essential expenses required to get her to the United States for life-saving care. It will allow her parents to remain with her, where they are needed most, without the overwhelming financial burden that has come with this long and devastating journey. Ivey is a fighter — full of courage, full of life, and full of determination. She deserves the chance to grow up, to run, to laugh, and to experience a childhood outside hospital walls. If you feel led to help this family during the most difficult chapter of their lives, your support — in any amount — will make a meaningful difference. Thank you for your kindness, your prayers, and your generosity toward baby Ivey. With gratitude, Ivey’s family

❤️💚✨156

Donations (3787)

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11 people just donated

Chris Goundry
$200 · Recent donation
Max Thomas
$100 · Recent donation
Sarah Bennett
$500 · Recent donation
Sarah Bennett
$100 · Recent donation
Lori Chmura
$50 · Recent donation
Darrell Bishop
$4,000 · Top donation
Mark Muzzio
$50 · 2 mins
Mary Jhonson
$200 · 20 mins
Catherine Brown
$100 · 1 h

Organizer and beneficiary

Joe Steele

Family Friend and Supporter

Sunderland, UK

November 25, 2025 · Family

Protected Donation

Words of support (9)

Please donate to share words of support.

Serdana Tajah
$200 · 5 d
Wishing you all the best Ivey
Max Thomas
$500 · 8 d
From a fellow Fontan patient with right atrial isomerism, asplenia, TAPVD, ASD, pulmonary atresia & right-sided arch... please don't give up hope. I'm praying Ivey gets the operation she needs ❤️
Daisy Kennedy
$200 · 9 d
❤️❤️❤️
James Thompson
$200 · 10 d
You've got this youngen.
Geordie Goundry
$1,000 · 10 d
Donated by a Ivey for a little princess. Wishing you all the luck in the world. ❤️
Paula Wear
$300 · 10 d
Haway young lady... I will continue to donate each payday.
Gordon Furniss
$200 · 12 d
With love from all of the team
Winner Winner Chicken Dinner Competitions
$500 · 17 d
Support for Ivey and her family from the Sunderland family
Michael Lawless
$500 · 1 mo
Good luck Ivey and family. Lots of love, Jimmy, Mick and the lads

Help Give Baby Ivey the New Heart She Needs to Stay Alive

Donations (3787)

Organizer and beneficiary

Words of support (9)

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