Gerard LaGotta

Hi, my name is Thomas Orosz. I am raising funds for my cousin Gerard.

Gerard was born with a rare heart defect called Hypoplastic Left Heart Syndrome which disrupts normal blood flow through the heart. In this condition, the left side of the heart is extremely underdeveloped and can’t properly supply blood to the body. To treat this syndrome, Gerard has undergone three surgeries, at: 2 days old, 6 months old, and one and a half years old. While these procedures kept him alive, they also left him with about half of a heart to do all of the work.

After many years of stress on his body and with the worsening of his symptoms (difficulty breathing, difficulty walking/sitting)Gerard is now in need of a heart and liver transplant. He is waiting to be put on both transplant lists. In the meantime, he is doing his best to remain optimistic despite the pain he is enduring and the fear he has.

I started this page in hopes to raise funds to help my aunt & uncle relieve the financial burden that they’re facing given the high medical costs that are not all covered by health insurance and any other related expenses. (They dedicate their lives to Gerard’s care and soon will be commuting to Colombia University, where Gerard is being admitted for treatment of his rare congenital condition and to be monitored while he waits for a heart transplant.)

Any contribution is greatly appreciated and will not be forgotten. We are forever grateful for every donation made. Thank you!!