Mariahs Last Wish

This a fundraiser to help pay for Mariah's funeral expenses and any other expenses to help her family. Any help would be greatly appreciated.

Mariah's Story:
My name is Mariah Ortiz and I am 15 years old.  I have had 2 heart transplants in my short life.  I had my first transplant at 1 1/2 years old.  I did well with my new heart for 11 years.  When I was 12,  I was told I would need another heart transplant and that it would not be easy to find a match. So I waited for 2 1/2 years for a suitable match. Finally in September of 2014 I received a phone call that a heart was available.  I did well with my new heart despite not being able to take an important anti-rejection drug.  6 months after the transplant I rejected my heart because I needed to take a stronger anti rejection drug. They were hesitant to give it to me because it would make my kidneys fail.  As a last resort I was given the drug and it ended up damaging my kidneys permanently and making things worse. It came down to the point that they gave me an artificial heart so I could have more time with my family.  

Mariah passed away on July 26th 2015 in the arms of her father.  She was surrounded by her brother,  sisters, and family.  She was told that she was loved to the very end.  





I would like everyone to share something about Mariah in the comments. This way everyone can see that she was an extraordinary young women. 

I am Mariahs aunt,  Elena.  I remember her always singing, but she was always to shy to sing in front of me.  I would hear her in the shower,  or when she was cleaning. I heard her sing to my newborn son as she fed him.  She had a beautiful voice. That's the way I will remember her.