Help Bella recover from a heart transplant

Hi, I am fundraising for our dear friends whose daughter has undergone a heart transplant.

Our lives were turned upside down last year when our beautiful Bella (Isabella) was diagnosed with Danon Disease – a rare genetic disorder affecting the heart, brain, eyes and muscles. For 17 years, Bella lived undiagnosed, showing incredible strength as she navigated school, earned her driver's license, and secured a full-time job – achievements many of us take for granted.

In September, Bella began experiencing chest pains. What we thought would be a minor issue quickly escalated, leading to the installation of an internal defibrillator to keep her alive while waiting for a donor heart.

On January 21st, (just 6 weeks after celebrating her 18th birthday) at approximately 10 PM, we received the life-changing call that a matching heart was available. Bella underwent the transplant, amidst a whirlwind of emotions.

The surgery was daunting, and Bella faced the risks and complications with remarkable courage. Now, she embarks on a long journey of recovery, requiring extensive care and lifestyle adjustments.

We really do live in a lucky country. In the US, this most recent procedure alone would have cost well over $100,000 even with insurance. Here, Bella has been seen, cared for, and received life saving treatment in a safe and supportive environment from incredibly skilled doctors and nurses and allied health professionals, and we can’t thank them enough. But Medicare and health insurance don’t cover everything, even here, and the transplant is only one part in a long and expensive journey.

And unfortunately, bills don’t stop when your world does.

Our dear friends are spending as much time as they can with their beautiful girl while managing reduced income due to the time off and both general and medical expenses, and we think they should be able to focus on Bella without worrying about whether they can afford it.

We are so incredibly grateful for anything you can give to support them as they do this.