Ryker Strong

Hi, my name is Joanie Sanchez, and I am blessed to be the grandmother of Ryker Johnnie Macias. For those of you who know me, you already know the importance this beautiful little blue-eyed boy has brought to our lives. He came to us at a critical time in 2020 and gave us a chance to experience a love and a bond that can never be broken.

When looking at Ryker, you would never know his heart is working as if he only had half a heart. He is full of smiles, hugs, kisses, and pure joy. He has gone through 2 out of the three surgeries that transition his heart to work as one pump instead of the usual two (Fontan circulation). However, these three surgeries are not a repair-they are considered palliative care-palliative care to allow him to grow and give him the best quality of life possible. But if he continues down this path, he will eventually need a heart transplant, have some liver disease and possibly develop PLE (protein-losing enteropathy).

His parents (our son and daughter-in-law) Mando and Danielle Macias found out about a biventricular repair surgery that some elite hospitals and doctors perform. This surgery is considered a repair and not just a “band-aid.” However, it is a riskier surgery and has more upfront complications (possible pacemaker) than the Fontan. Still, the Fontan has many severe long-term effects where the BiVent doesn’t. So, after much research, they asked for a second opinion from the hospital with the most experience and knowledge with this repair, Boston Children’s Hospital. After much consideration, Mando and Danielle have decided to make the 2,500-mile trip to Boston. They are scheduled to go there in October.

Rykers first open heart surgery was at nine days old, and his second open heart was at eight months old. These surgeries were done locally with Loma Linda and his excellent team.

When you meet Ryker, you see a beautiful little boy who greets you with a hug, a wave, a high five or, if you’re lucky…kisses. He loves to be in their gym, helping mom and dad with workouts and mimicking every move. He loves the water, bubbles and blueberries.

We need your help. There will be significant expenses, and we want to help this little family through this critical time. Mando was a United States Marine and served his country with two tours of Iraq. Sadly, he does not qualify for 100% coverage from the VA for Ryker.

Could you help us, help them? Please donate to this fund and pass this on to others who might want to contribute. No amount is too small, just appreciated.

Please give from your heart to help Ryker's heart.