I Heart Jace, New Heart Same Hero

At one year old, Jace Szklanecki has been through more medical procedures than most adults.  He was born with Hypoplastic Left Heart Syndrome, an extremely rare congenital heart defect in which almost the entire left ventricle is missing.  He had his first open heart surgery at just 5 days old, and his second at four months.  Shortly after his first birthday, Jace experienced a blood clot so rare that most cardiologists at Lurie Children's Hospital had never seen it in their practice.  This blood clot led to a downward spiral for Jace, including a stroke, a scary heart pumping machine, and heart failure.



Jace was placed on the heart transplant list at this time, and miraculously, just a couple of weeks later, a matching donor heart became available.  He underwent a successful heart transplant on February 13, 2014. 

Currently, Jace is undergoing intense therapy daily in attempt to reverse the effects of the stroke.  The left side of his body was severely affected, including his vision.

Needless to say, his family's lives have been turned upside down over the past year and the financial burden grows daily.  They have spent much of the past year in downtown Chicago at the hospital, Ronald McDonald House, and in rehab.  Between the bills, transporation, parking, and daily living downtown, the costs are adding up quick.  Especially since Nikki has not been able to work in over a year.  We would love to be able to provide Nikki, Rob, Marek & Mirelle with a donation to help ease that burden.  Please consider supporting Jace and his family... anything you can give would be truly appreciated.  

Thank you for considering helping out!