One local family is preparing for a tough road ahead as their youngest child was born with a serious health condition. The family is preparing to take young Julian Koch to Edmonton to be treated in the very near future.

"His is going to require open heart surgery, that's coming up pretty soon here," explained Julian's aunt Keshia. "Additionally after they found out (he has holes in his heart) they decided to do some genetic testing... and about a month after he was born, they found out he has down-syndrome as well. It's been a roller coaster of emotions and

Baby Julian with his siblings and cousin. (Photo courtesy of Facebook)information since then."

Despite having Julian's health concerns in the back of their minds constantly, his immediate and extended family are still overjoyed with the new addition to the Koch family tree.

"I think most of us are very excited about being blessed with someone with down-syndrome in our family. Unfortunately, it often comes along with many health complications, which aren't the greatest."

As those closest to Julian are still trying to wrap their heads around his situation, the Koch family had another road block set in front of them when they heard the news at the end of August that his father is suffering from Multiple Sclerosis.

Even with all the emotions, the family is still soaking up all of the unique idiosyncrasies that make the little baby who he is.

"Other than his health status he's like most other kids, he's adorable and sweet, he's actually quite extra special. His laughs and smiles just hit the heart a little extra harder knowing his situation. He appears normal, but then you know deep down he has issues with his heart and you worry about his welfare for the rest of his life."

Family members have planned a roast beef fundraiser supper to cover medical and travel expenses for Julian and his parents to get to his open heart surgery.

The fundraiser takes place at the Wildlife Centre behind the mall on Friday evening and tickets must be bought in advance. You can get more information regarding the fundraiser by clicking here.

There is also a GoFundMe page that residents can use to make donations to the family.