Tony Forte Transplant Fund
Ten year old Tony Forte was born with a rare intestinal disease known as Hirschsprung’s Disease which was diagnosed when he was just 6 days old. To save his life, pediatric surgeons removed all of his colon and ⅓ of the distal ileum of his small intestine. Tony spent the first 4 years of his life dealing with countless surgeries.
The disease has greatly impacted his life; he is unable to attend to school because of the medical devices that keep him alive; he’s unable to eat a full meal without becoming sick; he cannot swim or shower; participating in sports, or simply playing with other children presents a risk of infection.
Tony is awaiting a stomach, small & large intestine, liver and pancreas transplant. This June 28th, 2016 he will have spent 6 years on a wait list at the Miami Transplant Institute, in Miami, Florida.
As with any major illness, health insurance or Medicaid will not cover costs associated with the transplant other than the surgery itself. All recuperation costs, as well as pre and post-op related costs are not covered. In the past year the family has paid their own way to Miami three times. After the transplant, Tony and the family will need to remain close to the center for 6 to 12 months while Tony recuperates; weekly testing and monitoring is crucial to determine signs of possible rejection.
The Fortes have set up a special needs trust fund in their son’s name: “The Antonio Forte Transplant Fund Trust”. It protects Tony from losing any SSI Disability and Medicaid benefits. All proceeds and donations stay in the fund to be paid out only when Tony has medical appointments such as his monthly visits to the Miami Transplant Center. More information about Tony’s plight is available through websites set up by Tony’s siblings: www.aftft.com and www.mybrothersbreadsllc.com.
Throughout this 10 year journey, Tony - his parents, Stephen & Monica, and Tony’s older brothers Vince 15, and Dom 13 - have faced the extraordinary challenges that come with caring for a loved one with a life threatening illness, but their unwavering faith, the dedication of their family, along with their optimistic attitude has carried them through. Help us all to ensure that Tony’s transplant is a success.
The disease has greatly impacted his life; he is unable to attend to school because of the medical devices that keep him alive; he’s unable to eat a full meal without becoming sick; he cannot swim or shower; participating in sports, or simply playing with other children presents a risk of infection.
Tony is awaiting a stomach, small & large intestine, liver and pancreas transplant. This June 28th, 2016 he will have spent 6 years on a wait list at the Miami Transplant Institute, in Miami, Florida.
As with any major illness, health insurance or Medicaid will not cover costs associated with the transplant other than the surgery itself. All recuperation costs, as well as pre and post-op related costs are not covered. In the past year the family has paid their own way to Miami three times. After the transplant, Tony and the family will need to remain close to the center for 6 to 12 months while Tony recuperates; weekly testing and monitoring is crucial to determine signs of possible rejection.
The Fortes have set up a special needs trust fund in their son’s name: “The Antonio Forte Transplant Fund Trust”. It protects Tony from losing any SSI Disability and Medicaid benefits. All proceeds and donations stay in the fund to be paid out only when Tony has medical appointments such as his monthly visits to the Miami Transplant Center. More information about Tony’s plight is available through websites set up by Tony’s siblings: www.aftft.com and www.mybrothersbreadsllc.com.
Throughout this 10 year journey, Tony - his parents, Stephen & Monica, and Tony’s older brothers Vince 15, and Dom 13 - have faced the extraordinary challenges that come with caring for a loved one with a life threatening illness, but their unwavering faith, the dedication of their family, along with their optimistic attitude has carried them through. Help us all to ensure that Tony’s transplant is a success.
Organizer and beneficiary
Monica Walker Forte
Beneficiary