EJ Hollier

We’ve started this GoFundMe campaign to show some love to a special boy who has such a strong heart for others that it only seems fair that we give his a little financial support right now.

EJ has been battling cardio demons since he was born with congenital heart disease thirteen years ago. In the first 15 months of his life, he survived three open-heart surgeries (three heart attacks, two strokes, and was placed on the transplant list in Toronto). Defying all odds, he still has his own heart.

His last hospitalization was in September of 2007. He has been doing 6-month checkups at the IWK in Halifax, NS since then, the prince of patience while they endlessly run tests on him. Though he appeared the picture of health, with a good-natured spirit that mirrored that sentiment, they discovered during his last visit that he needed a valve replacement. The hospital scheduled him for surgery within a few, short weeks.

During that open-heart surgery, a new discovery was made that prevented the medical team from completing the scheduled valve replacement. His aorta patch (previous surgery) was thinning and needed to be fixed before they could conquer anything else. This was successful, and the goal was to let him rest for a day or two and regain some stamina so that they could complete the second, original surgery within a few days.

Unfortunately, part of his followup monitoring included a neuro assessment, which showed lack of mobility on his left side. A CT scan confirmed that he had had a stroke in the right hemisphere of his brain. This has caused a delay in the valve replacement surgery, which will leave him staying at the hospital for several weeks while medical professionals continue to monitor his progress and wait for him to be strong enough to replace the valve he has outgrown.

EJ has the love and care of an enormous emotional support network. While the direct medical costs are covered, and there are many mental warriors fighting on his behalf, we also want to ensure that this outpouring of strength isn’t weakened by additional concerns regarding day-to-day living costs while the immediate family is physically battling alongside him. This campaign is meant to shield them from that added financial stress. Please give if you are able; please share if you are not. Say a prayer, light a candle, cast a spell, do a dance, or just extend some good vibes in the direction of this amazing boy. Thank you for your support!