David is an incredible young man whose heart has been on quite a journey from the very beginning, with multiple open-heart surgeries and replacements since he was just a toddler. Now, at 15 years old, David needs a new heart. As of 7/13, David has been admitted to the ICU as they wait for a donor, and this next chapter will bring long days, hospital stays, and significant challenges for the family.

I’ve set up this GoFundMe on behalf of David and his family. We all know the financial toll a surgery of this magnitude can take on a family, and we do not want them to carry this burden alone.

Galatians 6:2 says, “Bear one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ.”

We want to help with upfront costs, co-pays, travel expenses, groceries, ongoing care expenses, and whatever else they may need.

Please share this link with as many people as you can, and keep David and his family in your prayers. We are deeply grateful for every gift and prayer offered on David’s behalf.

Read about David's journey below, written by David's mom, Paula:

Our journey with David began in 2011, when he was 8 months old. The first months for him weren’t good. He was behind on milestones, couldn’t hold his head up, and couldn’t roll over. I thought it was all due to lack of stimulation and proper nutrition. These were factors for sure, but after his first appointment with the pediatrician, they quickly knew something else was wrong.

At the first appointment with pediatric cardiology, his doctor quickly recognized David was in need of intervention. And so the journey began with many visits and tests. David had his first heart catheterization at 24 months, and his first open heart surgery at 26 months. The surgeons did what they could to help him, but it was always known this would be the first of several more surgeries.

With consistent follow-ups and tests, we fast-forward to when he was 6 ½ years old. Another surgery to repair what they could until it was time for more intervention again. David maintained during this time, being used to having physical limits. By the time he was 12, it was evident he would need, yet again, to have another open heart surgery. This time, his aortic valve was replaced with a mechanical valve, and he had another donor valve replaced. It was our hope and prayers that this surgery, although not his last, would get him well into his twenties. This was not the case. The cadaver valve only lasted a little over 2 years before it started to weaken. During this time, we were moving to Florida and would have to start with all new doctors and surgeons. This was very difficult for this mama because now I would have to put my trust in professionals who didn’t know our journey like the ones in Pennsylvania. But I know where my trust lies: in the God who brought David and his brother Jay to us. I knew God would lead and guide us to the right doctors. He loves my children way more than I ever could. He leads and guides us on the path in which we can best bring Him the glory that is due Him. And that’s what happened.

We are now with top-rated doctors in a top-rated children’s hospital. The team there quickly recognized that David needed more than just continually tweaking the heart he has; he needs a full heart transplant. So the past 7 months have been lots of blood work and tests, and now the time has come. David will be admitted to the Intensive Care Unit while we wait for a donor. To say this journey will be challenging is a major understatement. I will be living away from home to be with him, and after the surgery there will be much time spent in and near the hospital. We are so very grateful to know it is God who sustains us (you all included) through the trials of life. Psalm 62:5-8 says this: “Yes, my soul, find rest in God; my hope comes from Him. Truly He is my rock and my salvation; He is my fortress, I will not be shaken. My salvation and my honor depend on God; he is my mighty rock, my refuge. Trust in him at all times, you people; pour out your hearts to him, for God is our refuge!”

Our David has always gone through this with such strength and courage! He is brave beyond his years! His sweet demeanor and his gracious attitude bring such joy to all those around him! He never once has complained and he’s always a bright light who makes the nurses and doctors laugh.

We are all so grateful to all our family and the body of Christ for love, prayers, and all kinds of support. To God be the glory!!