The Claire Brazan Heart Fund’s purpose is to help provide funding for Claire, the expected daughter of Kenny and Trista Brazan of Vacherie who was prenatally diagnosed with a rare heart defect. Upon three separate ultrasounds, baby Claire has been diagnosed with Hypoplastic Left Heart Syndrome, or HLHS. These ultrasounds revealed that the entire left side of Claire’s heart is completely sealed off and not functioning. Baby Claire, due in May, will require numerous life sustaining, open heart surgeries and medical treatments at Texas Children’s Hospital in Houston immediately after birth and throughout her life.  Unfortunately the hospital is out-of-network with the Brazan’s insurance, but the couple is determined to make the right choice for Claire regardless of any expenses they will incur. Out-of-pocket fees that the couple will acquire for the surgeries are unknown at this time. Besides the treatments and surgeries for Claire, the Brazan’s will also have traveling, lodging and other such expenses.

A fundraiser has been organized by friends of the Claire Brazan family. Along with the Claire’s Heart Bass Tournament on Sunday, March 30, 6:15 a.m.-3 p.m., lunches will be sold in association with the weigh-in ceremonies of the bass tournament at the Canning Center Building on the St. James Parish School Board grounds. The lunch will be red beans, rice, salad, bread and dessert. Cost for the meal will be $8. Tickets will be sold by the friends of the Claire Brazan family. Lunches can be picked up at the Canning Center on the School Board grounds from 4 p.m. until 6 p.m. on Sunday, March 30. Friends of the family will also be selling a $2 per ticket or three

tickets for $5 raffle consisting of three prizes, which will be drawn

at the conclusion of the weigh-in

ceremony, winner need not be

present. First prize will be an all-expense paid speckled trout/redfish trip for 1-4 people in Lafitte with Barataria Guide Service Capt. Lane Zimmer Jr.; winners will select the date for trip. Second prize will be a rod/reel combo, a Boyd Duckett micro magic 7-foot medium heavy paired with a Lew’s Tournament Speed Spool casting reel 7.1:1 gear ratio ($310 value). Third prize will be $200 cash. The entry fee is $150, which includes big bass. For more information on the tournament call tournament director Joey Zimmer at 225-975-8745.

All proceeds will be deposited into the Claire Brazan Heart Fund in The Louisiana Federal Credit Union account. To help the Brazans with their medical and travel expenses, go to any Louisiana Federal Credit Union branch and ask to make a donation to the Claire Brazan Heart Fund. Donations can also be mailed to P.O. Box 103, Vacherie, LA 70090, with checks payable to the Claire Brazan Heart Fund. Or donate online at www.gofundme.com/clairebheart. Tax ID 46-4457549.