Camila’s Story
From every wound there is a scar, and every scar tells a story.
My name is Camila Chagoya, and I was born with HLHS/Shone’s Complex, a rare and severe congenital heart condition. Since the very beginning of my life, I’ve spent countless days in and out of Lucile Packard Children’s Hospital at Stanford, facing challenges no child should ever have to face.
“With God, all things are possible.”
Matthew 19:26
We are Alyssa and Jose, Camila’s parents. Our lives changed forever at our 20 week anatomy scan when doctors discovered that the left side of Camila’s heart was severely underdeveloped. From that moment on, we were closely monitored by an incredible medical team, preparing for the fight we knew was coming.
Camila was born on February 20, 2025, and at just 4 days old, she underwent her first open heart surgery. She fought bravely and recovered over the next four months. In June of 2025, she faced her second open heart surgery, once again showing unbelievable strength and resilience. By August, she was recovering well and continuing to push forward.
In October of 2025, doctors noticed concerning changes in Camila’s heart function through her echocardiograms and lab work. She was managed with medications and diuretics, but over time her condition worsened. Camila became extremely short of breath, developed swelling, showed a bluish tint to her skin, and had very little energy.
Currently in January , we were admitted to the hospital, where doctors shared the heartbreaking news: Camila is in severe heart failure. Her heart function is rapidly declining, and attempting a third open heart surgery carries extremely high risk. After extensive evaluation, we were told the truth no parent is ever prepared to hear…
The only way Camila can survive and get better is through a heart transplant.
We are now beginning an entirely new and overwhelming journey. One filled with long hospital stays, life saving medications, travel, housing near the hospital, and ongoing medical care as we wait for a donor heart.
As we begin this transplant journey, we are humbled by the love, prayers, and support from our community. Thank you from the bottom of our hearts. Every prayer matters. Every act of kindness matters to us during the hardest fight of our lives.
Every donation, no matter the size, helps us cover:
Hospital and ICU stays
Transplant medications and ongoing care
Housing near the hospital
Travel expenses
Basic living costs during this long process
If you are able to support Camila and our family, please consider donating through the link in our bio. If you can’t donate, sharing and praying for Camila means more than you know.
Camila is a warrior and with your help, she can keep fighting.