If your child was sick, you’d do everything that you could to save them. 

Hayley Moore is no different. When her daughter Klarissa was born, Moore felt such a deep, strong connection. But Klarissa’s birth also brought a heartbreaking challenge: hypoplastic left heart syndrome (HLHS). 

According to WKRC, Klarissa underwent her first two surgeries within her first year of life. Cincinnati Children’s Hospital explains that staged reconstruction is the most common treatment for HLHS. Staged reconstruction is a series of operations that reconfigure the cardiovascular system. 

Klarissa’s final surgery was meant to take place in June 2023. Unfortunately, the young girl experienced some frightening complications. Doctors found fluid and blood clots in Klarissa’s lungs. She required ventilatory assistance. But on July 14, 2023, Moore announced that Klarissa had been taken off of the ventilator and seemed to be improving. 

Moore is still trying to determine what her daughter needs moving forward. This could be another surgery or even a heart transplant. All she knows is that she will keep fighting for her daughter every step of the way.

Since Klarissa has been hospitalized, Moore has taken a leave from work to be with her child. Diagnosing and treating uncommon conditions can place a huge financial burden on families. If you would like to donate to Hayley Moore and Klarissa to help during this time, you may donate here. 

About Hypoplastic Left Heart Syndrome (HLHS)

Hypoplastic left heart syndrome is a complex congenital cardiac defect in newborns that affects how blood flows through the heart. HLHS occurs when the left side of the heart does not develop properly during pregnancy. Children are born with severely underdeveloped cardiac structures on the left side with closed or small aortic and mitral valves. This means that the right side of the heart becomes responsible for pumping blood to the lungs and throughout the body. It is necessary to surgically correct this defect as soon as possible after birth. If the natural connections between the baby’s left and right sides of the heart close, it could be fatal.

Symptoms associated with HLHS can include: 

• Cyanosis (a blueish-gray color to the skin) 
• Respiratory distress (difficult or fast breathing)
• Cold hands and feet
• Weak pulse
• Excessive sleepiness
• Poor feeding
• Lethargy
• Seizures