Parenthood
Mom whose baby needs a heart transplant is ambushed at work then handed a big fat check
Her 9-month-old daughter named Sierra has undergone 6 heart surgeries since she was born.
Irene Markianou
12.21.22

Every year, numerous people who live in East Idaho get massive surprises from a Secret Santa who wishes to remain anonymous.

YouTube - East Idaho News
Source:
YouTube - East Idaho News

The local businessman has been spending more than $500k- lately $1 million- to help deserving community members and their families.

And, while Sara and her husband Kelton currently are Utah residents, they do come from Rexburg, Idaho.

YouTube - East Idaho News
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YouTube - East Idaho News

The couple has an apartment there, but since their first child was born nine months ago, they had to move to Utah because baby Sierra needs to stay in Primary Children’s Hospital in Salt Lake City until a heart transplant is found for her.

You see, baby Sierra was born with a congenital heart disease, namely Hypoplastic Left Heart Syndrome.

Unsplash - Robina Weermeijer
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Unsplash - Robina Weermeijer

This heart disease is usually discovered during pregnancy or soon after birth.

Babies born with this condition don’t get enough oxygen in their blood because of a defect in the left side of the heart, which normally provides oxygen-rich blood to the rest of the body.

Babies born with HLHS need surgery soon after they’re born and, in many cases, eventually a heart transplant.

Unsplash - jesse orrico
Source:
Unsplash - jesse orrico

Sierra has undergone six open-heart surgeries so far, and she’s had to be placed on a machine to survive.

This is what actually keeps her in the hospital, where she will stay until a heart transplant is found for her- hopefully soon.

Her father has been transferred and is now working in Salt Lake City, and her mom has found a job in a local shop.

Nate Eaton with East Idaho News and his daughter became Secret Santa’s elves for the day and surprised Sara at work to give her a present from Secret Santa.

YouTube - East Idaho News
Source:
YouTube - East Idaho News

Indeed, right before her lunch break, Secret Santa’s elves found Sara. They explained that they were there to give her an early Christmas present and she couldn’t believe it.

Sara went on to tell them about how Sierra is doing and how they’re coping with the whole thing.

YouTube - East Idaho News
Source:
YouTube - East Idaho News

The couple actually goes back and forth to the hospital to make sure someone is there with the baby at all times, while they also work to make ends meet.

They’re patiently waiting for that call that will announce to them that a heart has been found and is a match.

Until then, they are just doing what they need to help their little girl in her battle.

At that point, Nate has his daughter give the present to Sara, and the woman opens it right away.

YouTube - East Idaho News
Source:
YouTube - East Idaho News

She’s shocked when she realizes it’s a $10k check from a Secret Santa. Her family could totally use some extra money given everything they’re going through.

“Stop,” she says as she starts sobbing. “Oh my goodness! Thank you,” she says.

Sara still can’t believe someone was so generous with her family. She gives a big hug to Nate and his daughter, and she admits her lunch break will be great!

YouTube - East Idaho News
Source:
YouTube - East Idaho News

You can watch Sara’s reaction to Secret Santa’s gift in the video below.

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