Help Rylee and Erica in Their Time of Need

Sunday update - September 1st 2024

Rylee gained his wings this afternoon, he had a room full of people that loved him by his side. Saying Rylee was a fighter is an understatement he was a warrior! Erica Faye Duran is going to be faced with a lot of hardship and a lot of decisions in the coming days, please pray for her and the family. 

On February 23rd 2023 Rylee got sick and Wasn’t sure what was wrong so Erica took him to the ER and then to his primary doctor only to end up back in the ER March 4th 2023 with the doctors telling her that his liver was failing and he had to be transferred to Children's Healthcare of Atlanta. The doctors ran test and found out that Rylee was in complete heart failure and his organs were shutting down.

March 14 2023 Rylee had his first heart surgery. They had to implant a pump called an LVAD in his heart. This pump would keep Rylee’s heart beating till transplant. Rylee was put on the transplant list April 10th 2023. He was listed 1A and on April 17th 2023at 1:05am she got the call that we were all so desperately waiting for they had a donor heart!! Rylee went into surgery and everything went great.

On May 28th 2023 Erica walked next to him while everyone cheered him on. This was a triumphant moment to see Rylee ring the bell. He had been so strong and so amazing through it all. Little did we know inside his body was still fighting really hard.

July 12, 2024 Rylee became sick once again. Erica rushed him back to Children’s Hospital of Atlanta. The doctors were deeply concerned and on July 15th 2024 Rylee was put on an ECMO machine to help his heart continue to beat, dialysis to support his organs, and had an impella 55 implanted. Rylee has had countless reconstructive surgeries since then due to the ECMO machine. His body has taken such a beating and on August 17th 2024 Rylee had a stroke.

on August 28th 2024 Rylee went into cardiac arrest doctors performed chest compressions for 45mins while rushing to get him hooked back up to the ECMO machine. Rylees health has quickly declined since then after fighting so hard for so long.

Erica is a single mother of 4 who is on disability her self due to a heart condition that makes it impossible to work a full time job. The last year has been extremely difficult for her and her children. Having to travel and stay with Rylee in Atlanta but also be there for her other kids. Erica needs all the love and support she can get in this very difficult time. The doctors have came together and are now saying they see no other options for Rylee. He is not a candidate for a new heart. Unfortunately he can’t stay on ECMO and there is no other medical devices they can use. Anything is greatly appreciated and prayers are needed.