Rocky Barnes shares heartbreaking story of her baby nephew

Fashion model and blogger Rocky Barnes opened up about a year-long struggle her family was dealt after her nephew was born with congenital heart defects.

On Thursday, baby Phoenix’s first birthday, the brunette beauty posted a bittersweet photograph showing herself holding the baby at the hospital during one of his many treatments.

Barnes shared in the post: ‘My brother’s son, Phoenix, was born one year ago on Oct 19, 2016. He was born with a genetic defect that caused him to have 7 different congenital heart defects. 

Fashion model and blogger Rocky Barnes opened up about a year-long struggle her family was dealt after her nephew was born with congenital heart defects

Baby Phoenix was born on Oct 19, 2016 with a genetic defect that caused him to have seven different congenital heart defects

Baby Phoenix was born on Oct 19, 2016 with a genetic defect that caused him to have seven different congenital heart defects

Barnes said her nephew has been hospitalized almost his whole life, and will continue treatments

Barnes said her nephew has been hospitalized almost his whole life, and will continue treatments

‘He has been hospitalized 10.5 months of his life at Texas Children’s Hospital fighting everyday … He has undergone 2 open heart surgeries, 3 heart catheterizations, 2 feeding tube surgeries, a tracheostomy + many other invasive procedures…with several more to come,’ she revealed.

Barnes further praised baby Phoenix’s strong parents; and specifically her sister-in-law, who she said has shown extraordinary ‘persistence, devotion, and positivity’ throughout the trying process.

According the child’s YouCaring page, created by his loving parents, Phoenix will require multiple future operations to heal his heart. 

'He has been hospitalized 10.5 months of his life at Texas Children's Hospital fighting everyday'

'He has undergone 2 open heart surgeries, 3 heart catheterizations, 2 feeding tube surgeries, a tracheostomy + many other invasive procedures'

‘He has been hospitalized 10.5 months of his life at Texas Children’s Hospital fighting everyday’

Barnes praised baby Phoenix's strong parents, who she said have shown extraordinary 'persistence, devotion, and positivity' throughout the trying process

Barnes praised baby Phoenix’s strong parents, who she said have shown extraordinary ‘persistence, devotion, and positivity’ throughout the trying process

‘We have been inpatient here at Texas Children’s Hospital for 10 months – and counting,’ his mother wrote in the fundraiser description.

Donations received will go toward the child’s insurance, medical and home nursing costs.

‘Insurance doesn’t always cover for 24/7 care, and some days have to be out of pocket,’ the post read.

‘Funds will also be put towards Family who are trying to come, and help out with Phoenix & I, whom live in other states. Like Phoenix’s Nana, and Phoenix’s Daddy. My husband, Evan.’

The YouCaring page raised $4,967 of its goal of end goal of $65,000 by Saturday night.  

Barnes, who has one million followers on Instagram, received overwhelming support and encouragement from her followers after sharing details on the family’s heartbreaking journey.

Barnes received overwhelming support and encouragement from her social media followers after sharing details on the family's heartbreaking journey

Barnes received overwhelming support and encouragement from her social media followers after sharing details on the family’s heartbreaking journey

Read more at DailyMail.co.uk