Marissa Picone is a brave 9-year-old who has faced serious medical challenges since birth. Just 12 hours after she was born in January 2016, she was diagnosed with Hypoplastic Left Heart Syndrome (HLHS) — a condition where the left side of the heart doesn’t develop.

She underwent three open-heart surgeries to reroute blood flow, but the third surgery didn’t go well. Marissa was placed on the UNOS heart transplant list, and during her 4th birthday party, her family got the call — a perfect match had been found. The transplant occurred the next day, on her birthday, and was performed by Dr. Bryant at Phoenix Children’s Hospital.

Marissa went home on February 11, 2020, and did well for over four years. Then, on June 26, 2024, a routine echo showed something was wrong. A heart catheter the next day revealed cardiac allograft vasculopathy (CAV) — a severe coronary disease that led to heart failure.

Marissa has been hospitalized since June 27, 2024, and was listed for a second heart transplant on July 3. Her condition is too serious to go home, so she remains an inpatient while she waits. Her parents trade off staying with her.

Life in the hospital is tough for a 9-year-old. The days are long, the food gets repetitive, and staying entertained in one room is hard. A special take-out meal, a Lego set, or an Amazon shopping day can make her smile and break up the routine.

We’re raising funds to help Rissa and her family with:

Comfort items, take-out treats, and fun activities to lift Marissa’s spirits!

Thank you ❤️