Country and Christian music star Rory Feek is asking supporters to pray for his daughter, Indiana, as the 12-year-old prepares to undergo major open-heart surgery this week.
In an emotional blog post, Feek revealed that Indiana - the daughter he shared with his late wife, Joey Feek - will undergo a six-to-seven-hour procedure in Texas to repair a ventricular septal defect (VSD), a hole in her heart that has been present since birth.
"We've always known that open-heart surgery was a possibility," Feek shared. "But this last appointment in January confirmed that it was something that needed to be done sooner than later."
The announcement has touched fans who have followed Indiana's journey since the death of Joey Feek in 2016 after her battle with cancer. Over the years, Rory has frequently shared updates about their life together, making this latest health challenge especially emotional for supporters.
According to Feek, doctors initially hoped the defect would close on its own, something that happens in many children. However, while the hole has not grown larger, it has begun causing complications that could affect Indiana's long-term health if left untreated.
Despite the diagnosis, Feek says Indiana remains "as healthy and happy as can be." The main symptom has been becoming winded more easily than other children when playing or running.
The most difficult part, Feek admitted, has been preparing his daughter emotionally for the operation.
"Preparing her for something that's going to be very hard on her," he wrote. "Hard on all of us, especially her Papa."
Indiana, who has Down syndrome, has reportedly experienced moments of fear and tears as the surgery date approaches. Yet her faith remains strong.
"Indy knows well that God can do miracles and so that's what she has been praying for," Feek shared.
The family has been surrounded by support from friends, church members and loved ones. During a recent church service, more than a thousand people reportedly gathered in prayer for the young girl.
Following the surgery, Indiana is expected to spend about a week in intensive care before returning home, where doctors anticipate another six to eight weeks of recovery.
For many fans, the news brings back memories of Joey Feek's unwavering faith during her own health battle. Now, a decade later, supporters are once again rallying around the Feek family and lifting up prayers for little Indiana as she faces one of the biggest challenges of her young life.
