Leo’s Heart: A Heart Transplant Journey

**UPDATE: Just last night, after 10pm, the parents of Leo got the notice that their amazing little boy would be the recipient of a new heart. At 8 am this morning-May 22nd-he was taken down to start the heart transplant procedure. The family waited for over 8 hours while Leo was in surgery. It was a long, emotional day to say the least. Your donations will make it possible for Leo to continue his life long medical care that he will need as he grows into his new heart. The family is overwhelmed by all of your support, love and prayers. Leo has a long road of recovery ahead of him and will continue to stay at the hospital until he can return home. I am a believer of miracles and today was something that solidified that for me. If you still have doubts that miraculous events can occur-let me just share this story. Chris and Christina found out on May 21st that they were going to have a baby who they would name Leo. On that same day, 8 years later, they received the notice that their child who desperately needed a heart would receive one just a day later. Thank you for all of the support for my little buddy Leo!

If you know Leonardo Fortuna, you know that he is the sweetest boy with a beautiful soul. I never would have thought that these words would need to be written…sweet Leo needs a heart transplant. Leo is my nephew and only 7 years old. And he needs a new heart! The past few months have been a nightmare for the Fortuna family.

In February 2023, Leo was diagnosed with dilated cardiomyopathy. At first, the doctors were optimistic that Leo would do well on a regimen of medications for some time. However, a few weeks ago, it became evident that Leo could not tolerate the medications and was in heart failure. He was readmitted to Mott Children’s Hospital in Ann Arbor and quickly was placed in the Intensive Care Unit. His little body was fighting but it just was not enough. Ultimately, his body needed rest and he was placed on a ventilator.

With some rest, the amazing doctors at Mott Children’s Hospital in Ann Arbor were able to do a procedure to insert a “Berlin Heart.” This is a large machine that is manually pumping Leo’s heart, which he will remain on until a new heart is available. Leo will have to live at Mott Children’s Hospital until he receives a heart transplant. That could be weeks or months. Maybe longer. We hope and pray that he will receive a new heart sooner rather than later. A new chance at life. It will be the greatest gift. It will be a long journey of recovery but we know he has strength and courage.

The emotional and financial impact this is having and will continue to have on Leo, his Mom, Dad and sister Luci is unfathomable. This GoFundMe is to organize funds for Leo’s medical bills, hospital stay, heart transplant and for his future. He will always need medications to maintain the transplant. The antirejection medications alone will be thousands of dollars per month for life. And one day, he may need another heart transplant altogether. Any amount will help Leo on his heart transplant journey and his family. Please consider giving. Our hope is that Leo and his family will have the financial security for his continued care. That way they can focus on the hard road to come and all the emotions that come along with it. Thank you for reading this amazing little boy’s story! 

All funds will be used towards Leo's medical treatment, family care and lifelong medical needs.

Written by: Katy Mason