Sofia's Memorial Fund

Update, 2/23/17: Our Tough Cookie Sofia has earned her wings and is in Heaven. She fought so hard, and inspired so many people. All donations will be going towards getting Sofia home and funeral expenses. Thank you everyone for your prayers, donations and support.

Sofia ( AKA Tough Cookie) is the smartest, sweetest, and above all, toughest 11 year old I have ever met. Sofia was born with HLHS, a rare congenital heart defect in which the left heart is severely under developed. This, in itself, has put Tough Cookie through surgery after surgery, and countless hospital stays. But even with that, she has fought the fight, and is stronger than ever. (That's why she's our Tough Cookie!)

At the beginning of this year, Sofia was having problems breathing. She would end up in the hospital with low saturation, and needing to be on oxygen for quite a few days before her numbers would stabilize so she could go home. After a few hospitals stays, there were many unanswered questions. Why were her oxygen levels so low? Why did she keep having this same issue? Why is there fluid in her lung? Finally, during the third hospital stay, we finally got an answer.

Not only does she have a rare heart disease, now she has a rare lung disease called Plastic Bronchitis. This disease causes thick 'casts' to build up in her air ways, which had been causing the fluid, the low oxygen numbers,  the hospital stays. Her family finally had answers, but now there were new worries and concerns. But there is always hope.

(WARNING, THE NEXT PICTURE IS NOT FOR THE SQUEMISH.)

This is a cast. Sofia has coughed up a few of these just within the past couple months, but this is Plastic Brochitis.

Children's Hospital of Philadelphia is the only hospital in the United States that specializes in Plastic Bronchitis. Sofia's case is finally being sent there, so we can get her the help and care that she needs (ALL of Sofia's doctors, nurses, and Respiratory Therapists have been AMAZING so far, but she needs a little help from people who see this frequently.) This is a huge step in the right direction for Sofia and her family. But this is where we need some help.

The dates will be coming up quick for Sofia and her Mama Bear to pack up and set off to Philadelphia! It's a surprise that this is happening so fast, but we're happy to get the ball rolling. Tough Cookie and her Mama need help with airfare, a hotel stay, and taxi money. All donations will go towards this trip for Tough Cookie to get the care she needs. As of right now, we don't know how long they will be staying there, but any donation will help!

Thank you, and we will post updates as soon as possible!

Update, 2/23/17: Our Tough Cookie Sofia has earned her wings and is in Heaven. She fought so hard, and inspired so many people. All donations will be going towards getting Sofia home and funeral expenses. Thank you everyone for your prayers, donations and support.