Izzy & Stella's Heart to Heart Fund
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In February 2016, our daughter Izzy was unexpectedly diagnosed with a cardiovascular defect known as coarctation of the aorta. This defect refers to the narrowing of the aorta coming out of her heart which, in turn, prevented normal blood flow to the lower extremities of her body. Left untreated, it would lead to long term heart and organ damage. We were stunned. Surgery to remove the narrowing was the recommended course of treatment before her heart enlarged and a transplant was needed. Suddenly, we were performing risk assessments and analyzing data no parent ever wants to consider. Our lives were turned upside down. Izzy's diagnosis led to a comprehensive search for the top pediatric heart surgeon and facility in the country. Ultimately, the decision was made to fly to Boston so that Dr. Christopher Baird of the Heart Center at Boston Children's Hospital could perform the surgery. On April 13, 2016, Izzy's surgery was successfully performed and after months of recovery, Izzy was released without medical restriction in late August.
As a result of this life changing experience, one that no parent ever wants to face--we decided the best way to count our blessings is to pay it forward. Izzy & Stella's Heart to Heart Fund has been created to provide travel and accommodation expense reimbursement to cardiac patients and their families who wish to seek treatement at the Heart Center for cardiac care at Boston's Children's Hospital. The medical care and treatment Izzy received at this facility was unparalleled. We believe that socioeconomic status and geographic location should not be an impediement to a child receiving the best speciality care possible when facing a life threatening medical situation. The Heart Center at Boston Children's Hospital has been rated the top Pediatric Heart facility in the country for numerous years by USA Today. In an effort to pay forward the positive outcome that arose from our medical journey, we wish to create this Fund to help other pediatric cardiac patients and their families travel and stay in Boston for medical treatment. When a child is sick, it affects the entire family. Hence, the Fund is being named in honor of both our daughters.
We have been blessed in so many ways. Please consider contributing to Izzy & Stella's Heart to Heart Fund so Boston Children's Hospital can continue to make sure little girls and boys in dire need of cardiac treatment get the medical services they deserve. Every dollar counts. Every child counts.
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