Zachary's Heart

My name is Danae Parks, and I am raising funds for my Best Friend and Sister Aldea (Rene) Tyus. She is a wife and has 2 wonderful, effervescent, super smart and sassy children, Annalise and Zachary, her A to Z, beginning and her end. As we all know, there is nothing a mother wouldn’t do for her children. We do our best to provide in every way possible, spiritually, emotionally, financially and physically. Her son, my nephew Zachary, is 7 years old. A true old soul, he is witty and wise beyond his years and gained the nickname of ‘Spicy Mouth’ amongst our friends. Such a handsome boy, he has charmed everyone that he meets, and his beautiful brown eyes, skin and trademark mohawk hairstyle made him so unique. He loves playing soccer and video games. He was a healthy child. The only complaints of illness were due to your run-of-the-mill colds and allergy symptoms.

On December 7th, 2022, their families lives would be changed forever. Nothing could and would prepare us for what would unfold so, so suddenly and dramatically.

A sudden onset of non-stop high fever, vomiting and generalized feeling ‘yucky’, led to Zachary an otherwise healthy boy becoming jaundiced and having positive blood cultures, weird bruising and rash to his hands and feet and debilitating pain to his knee.

He was diagnosed with Endocarditis a rare inflammation of the lining of the heart chambers and/or valves. Vegetation as it’s called, had set up camp in Zachary’s heart on his mitral valve. He was admitted to the Pediatric Cardiac ICU undergoing very close monitoring. There was always a risk of the vegetation becoming dislodged and causing a stroke, which is what happened. Our 7-year-old nephew had a STROKE. The doctors then told Aldea that they didn’t want this to happen with the other vegetation in his heart so there was no other choice but to have our little 7-year-old nephew undergo OPEN HEART SURGERY. A stroke and open heart surgery, on a 7-year-old boy who just a few days previously was dodging doing his homework and getting ready for pajama day at school.

The surgery was a success!!! No replacement valve was needed! GOD HEARD US.

Aldea has been by his side every day since this happened. It’s been almost 3 weeks of ups and downs and everything in between. She hasn't been to work, and will not be able to go back for at least 2-3 months as Zach will be needing long-term antibiotics, heavy physical and occupational therapy, follow-up appointments and close monitoring following a stroke and open-heart surgery. He won’t be able to go back to school for a while. The medical bills are going to start rolling in soon and although nothing is more important than her son’s life, finances are needed to maintain their household, take care of her other child and keep their head above water, financially. They have seen so many doctors and done so much costly testing and evaluations, I’m a bit scared to see the aftermath. This has blindsided her and her family and has thrown us for a loop. She feels like she's in a movie because at times it doesn’t seem real.

Aldea has had such amazing support through prayers and heartfelt thoughts and well wishes. During and after all this, any help and assistance are appreciated and welcome. She is a wonderful wife, mother, friend and co-worker and would do anything for anyone. I thank you from the bottom of my myocardium (heart) and Zachary thanks you from the bottom of his strong, brave, beautiful, and mended 7-year-old heart.

Thank you.