Ethans Heart Transplant Journey: A New Engine

The week of November 9th, 2020 Ethan Di Iulio will be placed on the heart transplant list at just 17 years old.  To know Ethan is to know a quiet, caring, hard working, goal driven young man with a need for speed who has never allowed his disability to slow him down or prevent him from reaching his dreams.  

Ethan's heart journey began when he was just 8 months old.  While at the doctors for a pre-surgical screen prior to a hernia repair, a murmur was detected.  The cardiologist diagnosed him with a rare congenital heart disease called Shone's Syndrome.  In Ethan's case it caused a narrowed aorta, mitral valve, aortic valve, and having a bicuspid instead of a tricuspid aortic valve.  During the ensuing surgery to remove the narrowed portion of the aorta and reattach it, the blood flow to his brain was cut off for 11 long minutes.  The doctors told Ethan’s parents to prepare for the possibility of developmental delays or more serious mental handicaps.  Since this time Ethan has had to take many precautions and has had a multitude of health problems but has continued to persevere.

In March of 2020 Ethan went in for his routine cardiologist appointment.  After much testing it was determined that he had gone into heart failure and now also has a disease called cardiomyopathy.  Ethan had a defibrillator and pace maker implanted to keep him stable until he can be placed on the transplant list for a new heart.   

 Let’s be honest, moms know best and to read more about Ethan's medical journey from his mother Patti please visit:    https://pdiiulio.blogspot.com/   

With the recommended treatment of a new heart, the doctors believe Ethan can live a full and normal life.  He has kept a positive attitude despite the odds being stacked against him since the time he was born and has maintained a 90-100 GPA since the 6th grade.  Ethan accomplishes everything that he sets his mind to and has had a successful YouTube channel for several years.  He saved his money for years and earned enough to purchase a car that he and his father restored together.  Ethan has many hobbies but is most passionate about tinkering with anything with an engine.  Recently Ethan's hard work has paid off and he was hired by The Little Speed Shop.  

To view Ethan's YouTube channel visit: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCh8jENC3fwRM_G6iMoGRMTQ 

On November 5th Ethan and his mother Patti must move to NYC to be close to the hospital in preparation for a heart to become available.  This move will split up the family, leaving behind his father Paul and sister Avery to hold down the fort at home.  The partial loss of Patti’s income and necessity for an apartment in NYC will result in a significant financial burden for the family.  Unfortunately due to COVID, the Ronald McDonald house is not taking new families which would have substantially decreased the financial expense.   

To help Ethan and his family through this difficult time, please consider donating to his GoFundMe campaign.  In lieu of monetary donations, you may assist by sharing Ethan’s story on social media and keeping he and his family in your thoughts and prayers.  

Thank you, all proceeds go to Ethan’s family.