10 Days of Giving – Day 10

Lainey Nelson is a 6-month-old sweet baby girl from Audubon, MN. In her first 24 hours of life, the team of Essentia Health Doctors diagnosed Lainey with a congenital heart defect, Transposition of the Great Vessels and Coarctation of the Aorta. She was emergently transferred to Children’s Minnesota in Minneapolis. Lainey had her first open heart surgery at 2 weeks of age. She has subsequently had a pacemaker placed and went through surgery for a feeding tube placement at 2 months of age. Lainey recently underwent her second open heart surgery at 5 months old. She is required to travel to Minneapolis, MN for all major surgeries and receives follow-up care at Essentia Health in Fargo. Lainey will require additional heart procedures as well as lifelong cardiac care.

Lainey’s older sister, Janalee, is two years old and has been extremely brave and resilient while being separated from her parents and Lainey multiple times over the last 6 months. Lainey’s parents, Trevor and Jannel, are in the early stages of navigating Lainey’s diagnosis while simultaneously managing their busy home schedule.

Lainey’s Day of Giving includes a variety of gifts and fun surprises for the entire family. Lainey will be cruising around on her Minnie Mouse Car in no time. Janalee received some fun clothing items and a balance bike along with a helmet. This team of healthcare providers always have safety in mind. ? The girls will spend hours of imaginary play together in their princess tent. Lainey’s Dad’s wish was that Jannel would receive pampering. The team worked their magic to provide a spa day as well as a private shopping experience to the Nines in Detroit Lakes! Trevor also received his own retail therapy for Scheels. This team of amazing volunteers provided a family photo session to capture the girls’ sweet smiles. The family also received an annual zoo membership, which will provide a fun and safe outdoor experience for the entire family.

A special Thank You to this wonderful team of volunteers that helped to make Lainey’s Day of Giving special and meaningful: Sarah Lingwall, Stef Ellison, Christy Woodard and Amanda Swanson. We would also like to thank Dr. Rauser-Foltz for nominating Lainey for the 10 Days of Giving program and ensuring she has great care.

Please join us in praying for Lainey and her family as they navigate Lainey’s heart diagnosis and challenging journey ahead. Stay Strong sweet Lainey, you are a brave and resilient heart warrior and destined for great things! Landon’s Light is shining on you!