Oriskany Falls Church Community Helps Baby With Heart Defect

Kody Learned was born with hypoplastic left heart syndrome, a fatal condition if left untreated, and has spent everyday of his life in the hospital with his mother Ashley by his side. The 3 month-old baby is fighting through his second of three open-heart surgeries and now has an Oriskany Falls church community fighting with him.

We are always looking for ways to help people. This hit us hard. Little babies shouldn't have to go through this

Kody caught the eye of Oriskany Falls United Methodist Church Pastor Gary Spraker. Pastor G shared Kody's heartbreaking story with Mike Marris, President of the Creekside Community Outreach Center, a mission of Church. "We are always looking for ways to help people. This hit us hard. Little babies shouldn't have to go through this," Marris says. "The board decided to make a donation to help Kody."

Pastor G and Marris presented Ashley with a $500 check to help cover medical expenses or anything else Kody may need. "Thank you so much. That is greatly appreciated."

In addition to helping financially Pastor G says the community has sent out a long prayer chain for Kody. "Prayer is the greatest medicine on earth."

Kody was given only a 25% chance of making it through the latest surgery and a 15% chance of making it home. "I believe it was the prayers that pulled him through. He's a fighter," says Learned.

You can help with Kody's fight by donating at GoFundMe.com.

You can also show your support and raise awareness about HLHS by purchasing a t-shirt. "We'd love everyone to wear it on the day of his open heart surgery to show support and pray for our little man," encourages Learne.

Follow Kody's journey at Prayers For Kody Michael on Facebook.

Ashley Learne