Help Rodrigo's Heartbeat Bloom! From 0.5❤️ to 1❤️
Donation protected
Hello Amazing Supporters!
I'm little Rodriguinho, I'm 2.5 years old, and my heart is rare and special.
Anyone looking at me right now, without knowing me, wouldn't imagine I'm at risk of life.
Right after I was born, I had two surgeries on my little heart that left it functioning only halfway, literally, only the right side does the job. It saved my life when I was born, and I'm very grateful to God and the wonderful doctors who took care of me, but having half a heart isn't always healthy for my little body, which may not live long this way.
As I grow, my little heart becomes overloaded, as well as my liver, kidneys, and intestines. Complications may involve development of Enteropathy, which means my intestine may lose the ability to absorb nutrients, this could be a life-threatening condition due to increased complications and malnutrition even though I eat well. With only half a heart, I also could eventually need a heart or liver transplant, which doesn't always work. :(
Having half a heart could bring very serious problems. Although life expectancy has increased for some half-heart patients recently, it could still reduce my time on Earth with my parents, and I REALLY want to live!
I'm a cheerful, loving, and very kind child, but I need your help to continue being this way.
Unfortunately, many children born with HLHS, particularly those with very small left hearts, have no possibility of restoring their little heart because the anatomy doesn't always allow it due to serious risks, but I'm one of those cases that can dream of having my heart corrected and having a normal life!
In Brazil, doctors are excellent at palliative surgeries that palliatively care for HLHS, but they lack experience in staged biventricular correction, which could solve my problem.
On the other hand, there's a medical group at the Boston Children's Hospital specialized in biventricular correction of patients with Borderline left ventricle, which is my case.
After a medical evaluation by the Boston team, I was accepted into the biventricular correction program, but the costs to save my little heart are far from my parents' reality, even after selling all the belongings they had.
My dad even said he would give his own heart to me, but that's not possible either.
Time is not on my side because my chance of success decreases every day.
Would you be willing to help me save my little heart? ❤️
The Journey:
I'm Rodrigo, and I share a unique heart journey with you. Born in Brazil with a a rare and serious Borderline Hypoplasia of the Left Heart Syndrome (HLHS). At just 2.5 years old, I've bravely undergone 2 open heart surgeries (Norwood and Glenn), turning my heart into a 1/2 heart (only the right side functions) with potential for serious complications.
Why Boston?
While Brazil's approach follows classic strategies transforming small as well as borderline (not too small and not big enough) left hearts into 1/2 hearts due to risks, Dr. Emani from the Boston Children’s Hospital offers a unique solution. His strategy prepares borderline hearts like mine for full functionality, offering hope for a complete heart vibrant health!. From 1/2 ❤️ to 1 full ❤️!
As I had undergone a classic Glenn surgery, the prospect of needing two more surgeries for hope of blood flow normalization looms ahead.
The Cost:
Without healthcare from Brazil or the US covering the costs of suggeries abroad are daunting. We're raising funds for Boston to give me a chance at a full heart ❤️!
Boston Hospital cost for 2 surgeries are around US$ 500,000 (exact amount pending final estimate as I continue medical visits - only the pre-surgery tests at Boston scheduled for the end of the month of March already costed us US$50K). Unfortunately, my parents can contribute, from their lifelong savings, only about 35% of the total estimated costs, with no funds for complications or support abroad.
Without healthcare, the costs are daunting. We're raising funds for Boston to give me a chance at a full heart ❤️!
Updates: March 2024, if you noticed the reduction of 1K from the total donations, that was a donation that I (Juscilene Menezes, Rodrigo’s Grandaunt here in the US) made when I started this campaign. Due to GoFundMe policies, it was refunded to me. Rest assured that it has already been used, as I paid 5K from the $5,180 donations received (thank you! ❤️) to help with the 50K costs of the pre-surgery exames at the Boston already scheduled for the beginning of April 2024. You have already made an amazing impact! Thank you! ❤️ I hope you can continue to support us! It would be greatly appreciated!
Updates: 13 April 2024, the medical visits and testing results at the Boston Children’s Hospital at the end of March seem promising for 1 surgery instead of 2!! It seems that Rodrigo’s heart is growing well!! We do believe in miracles and we thank you for your prayers!! ✨ We also have been so blessed with the help and support of so many amazing supporters like you donating and contributing with the campaigns! Because of the generous donations that Rodrigo’s parents have received, they would need to pay around US$150K for the surgery scheduled for the beginning of May. If you are willing to continue to contribute for Rodrigo’s chance for a full heart, we will be forever grateful!! Your contributions have made this surgery possible!! ✨
I am changing the amount of the campaign from US$500 to US$150 since the doctors believe it would be only 1 surgery and due to the amazing support already received. Thank you! We appreciate and value your support!! God bless you!! ✨You are helping Rodrigo have a full heart! ❤️
Brazil Campaign:
Another fundraising campaign in Brazil (https://www.vakinha.com.br/4375228)
is striving to secure around $280K, aiming to collectively achieve the required funds to cover the costs of the surgeries (not the goal from each campaign). Upon reaching this target, both campaigns can be concluded.
Urgency:
As I am turning two and half, my window for the crucial first procedure closes. It must be done between 1.5 and 2 years for a chance at a complete ❤️. Your timely support is my lifeline.
How You Can Help:
Your generous support can make this transformative journey possible. Every contribution, big or small, brings me closer to a heartbeat filled with hope and health.
Spread the Word:
Help us reach more hearts! Share this campaign with your family, friends, colleagues, philanthropists, and on social media. Your voice matters!
Contribution Levels:
* $10 = 15,000 donations
* $50 = 3,000 donations
* $100 = 1,500 donations
* $500 = 300 donations
* $1,000 = 150 donations
* $10,000 = 15 donations
* Any amount = thank you!
God bless you! ✨
Rodrigo Menezes Bitarães > ❤️
Thank you from the depths of our hearts (whole ❤️ and 1/2 ) for your donation, attention and any help toward our goal. Together, let's make Rodrigo's heartbeat story one of triumph and transformation! ❤️
Thank you ,
Juscilene Menezes, Rodrigo’s grandaunt living in the US on behalf of my niece Ana Luiza Menezes Bitarães and my nephew-in-law André Bitarães. Amazing and loving parents willing to do what it takes, including campaigning and giving their long-life savings with the sale of their car as well as a lot and home project where they would live, for the health of Rodrigo’s ❤️!
Organizer
Juscilene Menezes
Organizer
Del Mar, CA
