Help Riley Get the Heart He Deserves

My name is Christin Henry and I am starting this gofundme to help my cousin Melanie and her beautiful son Riley. Here is their story.

Riley is just 17 years old—turning 18 next week—and like so many teens his age, he has a life full of dreams, ambition, and potential. But on Sunday, June 16, 2025, everything changed in an instant.

What started as a dry cough and some mild shortness of breath quickly turned into something unimaginable. Riley’s mom, Melanie, trusted her gut and took him to the doctor—never expecting the life-shattering words she would hear next: *“Your son is in heart failure.”*

This beautiful, vibrant young man was admitted into the Pediatric ICU. At first, doctors believed his treatment was making a small amount of progress. There was hope. Riley stayed strong, and so did Melanie. But just days later, on June 19, an MRI revealed devastating news—his heart had become even weaker. The next morning, June 20, Riley underwent surgery to implant an Impella 5.5 heart pump. The surgery went well… until it didn’t.

Doctors emerged with news no mother should ever hear: Riley needs a heart transplant.

Because of his age, there is a narrow window of time to get him listed as a 1A status on the pediatric transplant list before his 18th birthday. If not, he’ll be moved to the adult list, which could mean longer waiting times and more uncertainty.

Melanie is a single mother and a self-employed warrior who has not left her son’s side. She’s now been out of work for over a week, with many more to come, all while navigating a terrifying and uncertain road ahead.

We are asking for support—not just for Riley, but for Melanie too. Every dollar helps cover basic needs, medical-related expenses, and gives this mother the ability to focus solely on her son’s fight for his life.

If you’re unable to donate, please consider sharing this campaign. Every act of kindness, no matter how big or small, brings hope to this family in their darkest hour.

From the bottom of our hearts, thank you.