Shortly before Christmas through the Salvation Army branch in Vineland, NJ, I was connected to the Hines family of  Newfeild, NJ. Nicole Hines and her husband have three children: Jaiden (10), Oliver (5) and Addilyn (3). Addilyn was born with a very serious heart condition called Heterotaxy and congenital heart disease. In December they were traveling to Children's Hospital in Boston for heart surgery. This was not their first trip there. 

When Addi was born, doctors were not optimistic about her survival. She spent the first eight months in Children’s Hospital in Philadelphia clinging to life. Flash forward to now, Addi is home but by no means is she healed. In her short life, she has had open heart surgery three times as well as six other related surgeries. She is in and out of CHOP and CHOB for weeks at a time. She is often in heart failure and is pace maker dependent. She is under the constant supervision of her mom Nicole who must administer to her daily needs much like a well trained nurse. The goal is always to get Addi’s heart strong enough for yet another major surgery in Boston to help repair her one ventrical heart that can only be done by one doctor in Boston. 

Needless-to -say, this situation causes an emotional and financial drain on the entire family. Every day is a struggle. After meeting Nicole, I discovered how truly remarkable this mother is. Her face has the signs of the stress of this incredible endeavor to keep Addi in some “normal” or stable health condition. Nicole has received some help from the Salvation Army but it can not come close to the expense associated with everything including medical bills, travel expenses to and from Boston, and just daily living expenses. The family does not qualify for public assistance because their income is slightly above the cut off. However, because so much time is spent traveling and in hospitals, one parent must either be in the hospital and  traveling while the other must tend to Jaiden and Olivia. There are no other family members to help out. This situation does not allow Nicole to work outside the house, or her husband to hold down a job for very long at a time because of the tremendous family requirements. I can honestly say that just putting food on the table, having enough money for gas and car repair, and just daily living needs are a struggle each day. It's frustrating because they tend to fall between the cracks. 
   
I am setting up this fund to hopefully help ease some of the burden. I have met Nicole, heard their story and can no longer accept that this family should continue living the way they do.  Please consider making a donation and please know that no amount is too small. Your kindness is appreciated by not only the family, but also by me. Thank you in advance.