❤️‍Heart Transplant❤️‍

Hi, I’m Julie Gugino and I was born with a rare congenital heart defect called Congenitally Corrected Transposition of the Great Arteries (CCTGA). With CCTGA, both ventricles of the heart and the arteries attached to the ventricles are reversed. This means that the part of the heart that is meant to pump blood to the lungs and the part that is meant to pump blood to the rest of the body are reversed, so the heart has to work a lot harder. Common birth defects that occur with CCTGA are ventricular septal defects (VSD) and blockage in the electrical conduction system. VSD occurs when there is a hole between the pumping chambers of the heart. Blockage in the electrical conduction system occurs when the heart can’t properly send electrical impulses to itself to make the heart muscles contract to pump blood. Unfortunately, I was also born with both of these defects.

During my life, and due to my heart defects, I have had two Open Heart Surgeries, too many Ablations to count, and I’m currently on my 3rd pacemaker/defibrillator. Unfortunately, my heart muscle that is doing a job that it was never meant to do is now becoming extremely weak and starting to die, which means that my only chance at survival is getting a heart transplant.

Being placed on the Heart Transplant list and hopefully being given the opportunity of receiving a new heart would mean a second chance at life for me, and would allow me the opportunity to continue to watch my daughter pursue her dreams—and perhaps even time enough to pursue some of my own.

There is so much more to a heart transplant than just surgery. Not only do I have to travel out of state to California for my doctor’s appointments and pre-qualification appointments, but I’ll be required to live in LA close to UCLA for 6-12 months following my transplant. Before I can be placed on the transplant list, however, I have to show the UCLA Transplant Board that I have enough money to cover the financial burden of all costs involved for 12 months. These costs include housing in LA, transportation to and from UCLA for doctor’s appointments after surgery, medications, a 24-hour caregiver, food, and other medical expenses not covered by health insurance.

It is with great humility that I put this fundraiser and my story out into the world in hopes that I’ll be able to show the UCLA Transplant Board that I have come up with enough financial backing to be able afford a lengthy recovery and all that it entails.

I am asking friends, family, and the community to help me reach my goals so that I can financially qualify to be placed on the heart transplant list. Any money donated will be used to secure housing, transportation, and caregiving, and for food, medications, and other related medical expenses. Any amount that you’re willing to contribute is deeply appreciated. If you’re unable to contribute at this time, sharing this fundraiser with your friends and family would mean the world to me.

Thank you to everyone who has taken the time to read my story, and for sharing it with others. I will share updates from doctor’s appointments as soon as I can.

Thank you,

Julie Gugino