Twenty five years ago my sister Alexandra was born with a heart disease called Hypo-Plastic Left Heart Syndrome. Thanks to technological advancements and the medical team @ The University of Michigan she's alive today. 

I realize that every life is faced with adverse challenges, most of which I haven’t experienced (fortunately). So I’ll skip the part about how difficult the past 25 years have been for her, that’s her story.

Last Tuesday (6/4) Alexandra underwent a heart transplant at Lurie’s Children’s Hospital of Chicago. Alot has changed since Alexandra was born 25 years ago, specifically the risk of mortality for open heart surgery.  And this may be difficult for some to understand, even more difficult for some to communicate but my family is very grateful, and acknowledges the advancements made in the medical field. More importantly, my immediate family is becoming more aware of the significance/role a highly educated & diverse team plays in the success of an almost routine procedure such as, an open heart transplant. 

The team at Lurie’s Children's Hospital of Chicago was beyond exceptional. And although they provided the education, diversity, and professionalism most would expect-  some families still have a difficult, rather emotional time sending a loved one to the OR.

As I mentioned, the risk of mortality for open heart surgery has drastically decreased over the past 25 years. The one thing that remains constant is the financial burden it can have on families. 

25 years ago my family benefited from The Ronald McDonald House Charity located in Ann Arbor, Michigan. I’m not asking for a donation to our family, but instead to the Ronald McDonald House Charity.

Please help make this fundraiser a success, thanks for your time.

Joe

~About the RMHC~

Faced with a child’s illness life can stop overnight and parents enter a world of fear and worry. For parents who don’t live close to the medical care their child needs, there’s an added stress. Distance. Most families have to travel hours for treatment. Living expenses quickly add up. Long drives, lost jobs, worried siblings, sleeping in cars. Being far from family and friends. These are extra burdens no family should have to experience.

Thankfully, RMHC is able to help when it’s needed most. They keep families with sick children near to each other and the medical care and resources they need.

By making a donation today, we can give families the gift of laughter, love and time together. For a sick child, sometimes the best medicine of all is having family nearby for more hugs, kisses and I love you’s.So, help me raise funds #forRMHC and keep families together by donating today!

Faced with a child’s illness life can stop overnight and parents enter a world of fear and worry. For parents who don’t live close to the medical care their child needs, there’s an added stress. Distance. Most families have to travel hours for treatment. Living expenses quickly add up. Long drives, lost jobs, worried siblings, sleeping in cars. Being far from family and friends. These are extra burdens no family should have to experience.

Thankfully, RMHC is able to help when it’s needed most. They keep families with sick children near to each other and the medical care and resources they need. So, help me raise funds #forRMHC and keep families together by donating today!