Emma Hernandez get a Lung Transplant

Hi, my name is Stephanie. I am starting this fundraiser on behalf of my dear friend Emma Hernandez. Emma is 25 years and was healthy, but unfortunately in December 2021, Emma, contracted COVID-19. At first, she stated she had only mild symptoms. However, after a few days, she could no longer breathe comfortably and had to be admitted to the hospital. She was admitted to Martin Luther King Jr Community Hospital in Compton, CA, on January 6, 2022. While in the hospital, Emma was given an oxygen mask right away to help her breathe.

On January 15th, Emma's mom, Erika, informed me that she no longer needed the oxygen mask and was starting to recover. She was able to keep her oxygen levels over 95, and she was beginning to feel better. But unfortunately, things turned to the worst the next day. Emma began to have chest pains from not being able to breathe well and was intubated. Emma's condition was all over the place while at MLK Hospital. Some days she was stable and her oxygen levels were between 91-99, other days however they would drop so low her condition would become even more critical than it already was.

MLK Hospital did what they could to keep her stable and eventually had a specialist go see her to see what more can be done. Emma ended up being transferred to UCLA Ronald Regan Hospital in Los Angeles, CA in late January 2022. Emma was in a very critical condition when she was admitted to UCLA. Her condition was very unstable. The future looked shaky and everyday was a battle. Emma was a warrior and continues to fight to get better.

In order to be there with Emma, her mom Erika quit her job so she can be there to support her. She has been by Emma's side every day. Emma's boyfriend, Renee has been a huge support and has been by her side as well. Between the two of them, they take turns in keeping Emma company at the hospital. Erika is there during the day, and at night Renee is there with her. Emma's condition over time got better. We prayed every day for her to get through this. However, her mother was recently informed that Emma will need a lung transplant.

We need to raise funds to help Emma continue to receive the medical care she needs at UCLA hospital while she waits for a donor. Emma is a miracle, and we need your support, any amount helps. I pray that God blesses all of those that help us. Unfortunately Emma does not have health coverage, and her mom was told she will need to move out and be transferred to another hospital. She has a tracheostomy that helps her breath, and she continues to be connected to the ECMO machine that saved her life, and UCLA health is one of the few hospitals that can provide her with this life saving devise. We know that the road to recovery will be long, but we all trust that she will overcome this and go back to being the great sister, great daughter, and the amazing friend that she is.