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Liam The Lion Feeney

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Liam "The Lion" Feeney

Liam is a 22 month old boy that resides in Branchville, NJ. He was born to the parents of Kevin P. Feeney of Pequannock and Nicole (LePore) Feeney of Wantage. After going through 2 years of infertility, they sought out fertility treatments and were blessed with becoming pregnant in December of 2017. Fast forward to April 2018 at their anatomy scan where they learned not only the gender of their baby, but that the baby had a life threatening heart defect. After been given the option of termination at the appointment, Nicole and Kevin sought out 2nd and 3rd opinions. Liam was officially diagnosed at 22 weeks gestation in Morristown with Hypoplastic Left Heart Syndrome. If left untreated, the baby would have hours or only a few days to live. From there, the couple sought out hospitals that could do the surgeries, which none of NJ hospital could do. Childrens Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP) had much success rates with the staged palliation surgeries and all further care was directed to CHOP. Liam was born on August 24th, 2018 and his journey as a heart warrior began. On 8/27/18 Liam endured his first palliative surgery the Norwood. Not even 12 hours later, Liam cardiac arrested in front of Nicole and Kevin and luckily was revived. Liam spent 3 weeks in the hospital following this surgery. In between his 1st and 2nd surgery, he was life flighted to CHOP for low oxygen levels thus requiring oxygen, blood transfusions and antibiotics. Liams 2nd surgery, the Glenn came a little unexpected as he decompensated at home and was emergently admitted to CHOP to have his next open heart surgery. After many complications, Liam spent 7 weeks in the hospital. He came home with a feeding tube and continuous oxygen. Liam grew and improved, and was able to come off oxygen. During Liams 2nd surgery, Nicole became ill and was in the hospital herself. After many tests, Nicole was in postpartum cardiomyopathy which caused left sided heart failure. After medical treatment, careful follow up with cardiology, and weight loss for over a year, Nicoles heart function improved. More recently, Liam was finally able to wean off his feeding tube at 19 months old. He is currently receiving 4 different therapies through early intervention 6 times a week, and following up with local Morristown cardiologists and his healthcare team. Once Liam turns 2, he will be faced with his final stage of palliation surgery, the Fontan. This open heart surgery is done between ages 2 and 3. The family is hoping that he will qualify for this next surgery, and if not, usually children must wait until eligible or listed for heart transplant. Liam is happy at home with his parents who both work in the community as nurses, and dad who is also a USMC Veteran, along with his two dogs Rudy and Harley.



This Auction is Present by Unico, New Jersey Chapter

"Service Above Self"

The UNICO National mission is to promote the image of Italian Americans along with Italian heritage and culture by supporting charitable, scientific, cultural, educational, and literary projects.

The men and women of our many chapters across the country devote their time, energy and resources to serve their local communities. They also support UNICO National causes such as scholarships, Cooleys Anemia, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, and Cancer Prevention and Research.

Founded in 1922 by Dr. Anthony P. Vastola in Waterbury, Connecticut to unite people of Italian heritage in an organization to perform charitable, patriotic and educational deeds.

UNICOs motto is Service Above Self. UNICO means unique or only one of its kind in Italian and additionally, the letters represent: U-Unity, N-Neighborliness, I-Integrity, C-Charity and O-Opportunity.


Every bid makes a difference. Can Unico and "The Lion" count on yours?