Sophia has been fighting for her life since the day she was born.

Born with Hypoplastic Left Heart Syndrome (HLHS), she survived three open-heart surgeries as a baby and spent much of her childhood on oxygen. In February 2025, at just 16 years old, Sophia received the gift of a life-saving heart transplant.

Only months later, she was diagnosed with a rare and aggressive post-transplant lymphoma (PTLD).

Since then, Sophia has faced brain surgery, chemotherapy, radiation, ICU stays, and multiple life-flight emergencies — all while continuing to show the same sweet spirit and strength that has inspired everyone around her.

She’s a creative, kind 17-year-old who loves crafting and finding small moments of joy even during long hospital stays.

Sophia’s fight isn’t over yet — and her family could use support.

Read more below to learn Sophia’s full story and how you can help.

Sophia was born with Hypoplastic Left Heart Syndrome (HLHS), a life-threatening congenital heart defect where the left side of her heart did not fully develop. As a baby, she endured three open-heart surgeries — Norwood, Glenn, and Fontan — just to survive.

She spent much of her early childhood on oxygen, even learning to toddle around while pulling her little tank behind her. Through countless appointments and procedures over the years, Sophia faced everything with quiet strength and a sweet spirit that has always amazed everyone around her.

In February 2025, at just 16 years old, Sophia received a life-saving heart transplant.

Just months later, she was diagnosed with Post-Transplant Lymphoproliferative Disorder (PTLD), a rare and aggressive lymphoma related to Epstein-Barr Virus (EBV) — a serious complication for transplant patients.

Since then, Sophia has endured:

• Brain surgery to remove a malignant tumor

• Intensive chemotherapy and spinal chemo treatments

• Radiation to her brain and spine

• Septic shock and multiple ICU stays

• Numerous life-flights and emergency transports

• Countless transfusions, biopsies, and procedures

Despite everything, she remains gentle, kind, and incredibly brave. Sophia loves crafting and creating — it brings her peace in the middle of hospital stays and treatments. She is a strong, sweet 17-year-old who has spent far too much of her life in medical settings.

Sophia now faces ongoing chemotherapy, radiation, transplant care, and lifelong anti-rejection medications. The medical expenses, travel, emergency transports, and time away from work are overwhelming.

We are asking for help to ease the financial burden so Sophia can focus on healing.

If you’re unable to donate, please consider sharing her story. Every prayer, share, and contribution makes a difference.

Thank you for supporting this incredible young warrior.