We HEART Logan
Donation protected
Hi everyone. This is a picture of Logan, and he just turned 2 in February. I have the pleasure of being this amazing little dude's grandma.
Just a few days ago, we learned that Logan will need heart surgery.
Logan has suffered from severe acid reflux since birth. His symptoms have gotten progressively worse, resulting in frequent vomiting episodes, upper respiratory infections and hours of inconsolable screaming in the middle of the night.
The past year was filled with trips to the pediatrician and urgent care. An antacid was prescribed. With symptoms worsening, we knew this was not the answer. Fortunately, we live just a few minutes away from Children's Hospital Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus. Many months and many tests after our first visit to Children's, we finally got a diagnosis: vascular ring with right aortic arch.
A vascular ring occurs when the aorta (the large artery that carries oxygenated blood out of the heart) or its branches form a complete ring around the trachea (the tube that carries air to the lungs) and the esophagus (the tube that carries food to the stomach). This happens when certain parts of the aorta that normally disappear during fetal development persist abnormally. As the child grows, the "ring" gets more restrictive, making eating and breathing more and more difficult. Now we understand the vomiting and upper respiratory infections.
Sounds scary, and it is. However, we are very optimistic. We have learned that Children's Hospital Colorado is one of the leaders in performing surgery to correct this rare defect (vascular rings account for less than 1% of all heart defects). On April 23, Logan will have surgery. The surgery itself only lasts about an hour. After a day or two in the hospital and several weeks isolated from daycare playmates (infection is a serious risk), no further heart problems are expected. Ever. Whew.
Now for the other scary part. Dan & Katie, Logan's parents, have health insurance. Not fabulous health insurance. There is a $6,000 annual co-pay before insurance starts picking up part of the tab. The insurance year just started over in March. All of the visits to the doctor and urgent care from prior to March are still being paid off. This year's out-of-pocket of $12,000 will be added to the thousands already owed. Adding to the monetary stresses are the upaid days away from work that Katie has had to take to stay home with a sick child.
HOW CAN YOU HELP?
A monetary donation in any amount you can afford is greatly appreciated. I know many of my friends share my coffee habit. Could you forgo a week's worth of lattes to help? A weekend's worth of entertainment? Part of your tax refund?
Help spread the word. Share this link on your Facebook page, Twitter feed or go with my favorite method, good old fashioned word of mouth.
Whatever your conviction, follow it. Say a prayer, put good thoughts out to the universe, keep Logan in your thoughts.
Pay it forward. If you've ever been helped by the kindness of a friend, family member or complete stranger, pay it forward.
Thank you for taking the time to read Logan's story. I'll post an update after surgery, and will update throughout his recovery. Your kindness is much appreciated by the entire Wolfis family.
Just a few days ago, we learned that Logan will need heart surgery.
Logan has suffered from severe acid reflux since birth. His symptoms have gotten progressively worse, resulting in frequent vomiting episodes, upper respiratory infections and hours of inconsolable screaming in the middle of the night.
The past year was filled with trips to the pediatrician and urgent care. An antacid was prescribed. With symptoms worsening, we knew this was not the answer. Fortunately, we live just a few minutes away from Children's Hospital Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus. Many months and many tests after our first visit to Children's, we finally got a diagnosis: vascular ring with right aortic arch.
A vascular ring occurs when the aorta (the large artery that carries oxygenated blood out of the heart) or its branches form a complete ring around the trachea (the tube that carries air to the lungs) and the esophagus (the tube that carries food to the stomach). This happens when certain parts of the aorta that normally disappear during fetal development persist abnormally. As the child grows, the "ring" gets more restrictive, making eating and breathing more and more difficult. Now we understand the vomiting and upper respiratory infections.
Sounds scary, and it is. However, we are very optimistic. We have learned that Children's Hospital Colorado is one of the leaders in performing surgery to correct this rare defect (vascular rings account for less than 1% of all heart defects). On April 23, Logan will have surgery. The surgery itself only lasts about an hour. After a day or two in the hospital and several weeks isolated from daycare playmates (infection is a serious risk), no further heart problems are expected. Ever. Whew.
Now for the other scary part. Dan & Katie, Logan's parents, have health insurance. Not fabulous health insurance. There is a $6,000 annual co-pay before insurance starts picking up part of the tab. The insurance year just started over in March. All of the visits to the doctor and urgent care from prior to March are still being paid off. This year's out-of-pocket of $12,000 will be added to the thousands already owed. Adding to the monetary stresses are the upaid days away from work that Katie has had to take to stay home with a sick child.
HOW CAN YOU HELP?
A monetary donation in any amount you can afford is greatly appreciated. I know many of my friends share my coffee habit. Could you forgo a week's worth of lattes to help? A weekend's worth of entertainment? Part of your tax refund?
Help spread the word. Share this link on your Facebook page, Twitter feed or go with my favorite method, good old fashioned word of mouth.
Whatever your conviction, follow it. Say a prayer, put good thoughts out to the universe, keep Logan in your thoughts.
Pay it forward. If you've ever been helped by the kindness of a friend, family member or complete stranger, pay it forward.
Thank you for taking the time to read Logan's story. I'll post an update after surgery, and will update throughout his recovery. Your kindness is much appreciated by the entire Wolfis family.
Organizer and beneficiary
Penny Wolfis
Organizer
Broomfield, CO
Dan Wolfis
Beneficiary
