Hi, my name is Megan, and I'm starting this GoFundMe for my best friend and her incredibly brave son, Akoda.

Akoda was born with a rare and serious congenital heart condition called Tetralogy of Fallot. He has already endured more surgeries and hospital stays than most people face in a lifetime — spending more than half of his life in the hospital. Just recently, Akoda underwent a major heart surgery, which included tricuspid valve and pulmonary vein repair. While the surgery itself went better than expected, his recovery has been anything but easy.

Since the procedure, Akoda has been facing several serious complications:

Fluid buildup in his lungs

Air trapped around his heart

A knicked area of scar tissue at his former trach site caused during attempts to suction fluid from his lungs

These complications have led to multiple additional surgeries and procedures. Through it all, Akoda continues to fight with incredible strength, but this journey has taken a heavy emotional and financial toll on his family.

His mother has been by his side every single day in the NYC hospital, doing everything she can to support and comfort her son. Meanwhile, she’s also trying to care for her other young children back home — all while bills continue to pile up. She’s a devoted mother, doing everything in her power to hold it all together, but right now, she needs help.

This fundraiser is to help ease some of the financial stress on the family during this unimaginably difficult time. Your donation — no matter how small — will go toward:

Covering basic living expenses (like food and shelter) for her other children

Supporting the costs of staying near the hospital

Giving this family the chance to breathe and focus on healing

If you are unable to donate, please consider sharing this fundraiser and sending prayers for Akoda and his family. Every bit of love and support helps.

Thank you so much for reading, sharing, donating, and praying.

#AkodaStrong