AVON, Ohio — Parents with medically fragile children will tell you: Life has a way of throwing you curveballs. The Balmert family, of Avon, has experienced more than a few of those over the past three years with their 2-year-old daughter Ryann's rare heart defect.
The family is popular around the world on social media and YouTube, with more than 500,000 followers.
"Social media kind of launched when we found out Ryann would have a heart defect at our 20-week anatomy scan," Chris Balmert told us back in April.
Their approach is unique as they use both humor and vulnerability to reach their followers. They've often tapped into their "Stay Upbeat" movement through their journey with Ryann.
We met with them last spring as Ryann prepared for a double-switch heart procedure. The surgery was a success, but despite their best hopes, another curveball was thrown their way this fall.
"So to catch you up on Ryann, she was getting a little out of breath and she was playing with her brother and I thought, 'Something just isn't right with that whole getting out of breath,'" Lindsay shared. "They did an echo and they determine that there is a leak from her double switch surgery. So that's kind of where we're at."
It was a surprise complication that they weren't expecting. It also meant another surgery.
Despite an online community of thousands who remain in Team Balmert's corner, the family admitted prior to Ryann's latest surgery, that they were scared.
"I don't have bad feelings about this one, but let's just say I'm not as optimistic [and] upbeat as I was going into the double switch," Chris said. "So now it's like, well we got through that, but now there's this, that complete unexpected...like a sucker punch, almost, and it takes you off guard. It's like, well if this could happen, you know, what's to say that something else won't happen six months down the road and we're in the same situation."
Lindsay shared the same fears.
"This is her fourth time, this will be her fourth or trip this year," she explained. "This will be the fourth time she's being put under. And that's a lot for a little two and a half year old body to be put through."
The fear and stress of supporting their little girl, while trying to lift up one another, sometimes, is really tough to carry.
"I mean, I think it pulls out the best in us because it makes us work as a team for sure," Chris said. "But as far as like negative things, I mean, having a child that needs attention a lot can take a toll on a marriage because our daughter is important, and I get that she needs the focus at times, but at the same time, there's moments where you should be focusing on your marriage."
Lindsay agreed with her husband.
"It's tricky. And, yeah, you're right. It's different stresses for each of us."
It's been a hard season, but they keep facing challenges as they always have: As a family who never thinks of giving up.
TEAM BALMERT: 2-year-old Ryann undergoes open-heart surgery
"This is what we were given and we're just gonna roll with it, and cross those bridges when we get to them, and hope that we don't have to face any other surgeries or anything crazy until, you know, she's in her teens," Lindsay said.
"We always tell each other we'd never let fear or limitations like limit us,"
Chris said.
Backed by an army of supporters across the world, the Balmert's said ahead of Ryann's surgery that they're ready for her bright future.
"As long as everybody prays and wishes her a speedy recovery, and just thinks of her, I think that totally helps. 100%," Lindsay said.
The good wishes from around the world clearly helped. On Dec. 2, Ryann underwent her corrective surgery, and it was a total success.
Her parents tell us she recovered so well, doctors allowed her to return home after just five days in the hospital.
She has a long road to recovery, but is headed in the best possible direction.
To follow Team Balmert's journey, click HERE.