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Colby and Carli Tinklin and their family are facing an extraordinarily difficult season as they care for their young daughter, Isla Johanna Tinklin, who was born with Hypoplastic Left Heart Syndrome (HLHS).

What makes Isla’s story especially remarkable is that her older sister was also born with HLHS. After already walking through the challenges of having a child with this rare heart condition, the Tinklins were faced with the devastating news that their second daughter had the same diagnosis. The likelihood of having another child with HLHS is considered very small, making this an especially unexpected and difficult journey for the family.

Isla has already undergone open-heart surgery at Children’s Mercy, and her parents are spending precious time caring for her while navigating the emotional, physical and financial challenges that accompany a serious medical journey.

The family is facing expenses related to medical care, travel, lodging, meals, childcare and time away from work. Friends are organizing a benefit to help ease some of that burden and allow Colby and Carli to focus their attention where it belongs — on their daughters.

The Little Heart, BIG Fight Benefit will be held from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 15, at the Bruning Barn in Hiawatha.

The benefit will include a hot roast beef sandwich dinner, green beans and dessert, available through free-will donation.

A silent auction and raffle will also be held, featuring donated items from businesses and individuals. All proceeds will go toward helping the Tinklin family with expenses associated with Isla’s care.

Ways to Help

Supporters from surrounding communities are invited to participate by:

• Attending the benefit

• Making a financial contribution

• Donating an item or gift certificate for the silent auction

• Sharing the fundraiser with friends, family and community groups

• Praying for Isla, her sister, Colby and Carli

• Simply offering encouragement and support

A “Fill the Heart” campaign has also been created to give people an opportunity to contribute at whatever level they are able. Every gift, regardless of size, can help lighten the family’s financial burden.

For those unable to attend, donations can be made through Venmo using the QR code on the fundraiser flyer.

For questions, donations or silent-auction contributions, please contact Liz Jeschke at 785-741-4665.

This is a paid article.