Donation protected
For most parents expecting a baby with a rare and severe medical condition in their unborn child is something they read about happening to other families. For Miguel and Leslee Yustiz, this is their reality.
Shortly before Labor Day of 2019, an ultrasound revealed a severe congenital heart defect in their daughter, Gabriela. Her condition, diagnosed as Hypoplastic Left Heart Syndrome (HLHS), means that the left side of Gabriela's heart (the side which pumps oxygenated blood to the rest of the body) is severely underdeveloped. HLHS occurs in less than 0.025% of babies born in the United States, and if left untreated, is fatal within the first few days of life.
Miguel and Leslee have chosen the excellent team of physicians at the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP) to deliver and carry out the surgeries that Gabriela will need. Due to the importance of immediate care after the birth, Miguel and Leslee had to relocate from their home in Virginia to Philadelphia early December 2019; just a few weeks before Leslee's due date. Three days after her birth, Gabriela went through the first of three stages of reconstructive surgeries. Her recovery took approximately one month, after which Miguel and Leslee were able to take Gabriela home in mid-February 2020.
The second of three surgeries took place in May 2020. The goal with each of these open-heart surgeries is to rewire the heart and lungs so that blood that needs oxygen can bypass the left side of her heart and go directly to her lungs. Gabriela had a successful second surgery, and although she had an infection that threatened her life, she was able to recover and go back to her new home in West Virginia where Miguel works as a youth pastor.
Josiah, Miguel, Gabriela, and Leslee.
To be sure, the advances in medical technology that have made Gabriela's treatment possible are incredible and cause for hope and celebration! However, the expenses that Miguel and Leslee will incur ovwer the next few years is staggering. Aside from the deductible and out-of-pocket medical expenses, Miguel and Leslee will have to cover all the expenses that come with long hospital stays, including: housing, food, gas, and wages that may be lost from extended periods away from work.
Miguel and Leslee need your help. First and foremost, they are in need of friends and family who will consistently bring them before God in prayer. If you would like to learn more about their situation and keep up with regular updates, please visit their Caring Bridge profile and sign up to receive email updates.
Second, if you are able and willing to help financially, your donation through GoFundMe would be greatly appreciated! The campaign goal is based on our best estimate of the non-medical expenses Miguel and Leslee will incur over the next few years; however, it may be adjusted in the future as arrangements are made and the details become clearer.
Thank you in advance for your care and concern. If you have any questions or concerns about how your donation will be used, or would prefer to give in another way, please do not hesitate to reach out.
Shortly before Labor Day of 2019, an ultrasound revealed a severe congenital heart defect in their daughter, Gabriela. Her condition, diagnosed as Hypoplastic Left Heart Syndrome (HLHS), means that the left side of Gabriela's heart (the side which pumps oxygenated blood to the rest of the body) is severely underdeveloped. HLHS occurs in less than 0.025% of babies born in the United States, and if left untreated, is fatal within the first few days of life.
Miguel and Leslee have chosen the excellent team of physicians at the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP) to deliver and carry out the surgeries that Gabriela will need. Due to the importance of immediate care after the birth, Miguel and Leslee had to relocate from their home in Virginia to Philadelphia early December 2019; just a few weeks before Leslee's due date. Three days after her birth, Gabriela went through the first of three stages of reconstructive surgeries. Her recovery took approximately one month, after which Miguel and Leslee were able to take Gabriela home in mid-February 2020.
The second of three surgeries took place in May 2020. The goal with each of these open-heart surgeries is to rewire the heart and lungs so that blood that needs oxygen can bypass the left side of her heart and go directly to her lungs. Gabriela had a successful second surgery, and although she had an infection that threatened her life, she was able to recover and go back to her new home in West Virginia where Miguel works as a youth pastor.
Josiah, Miguel, Gabriela, and Leslee.
To be sure, the advances in medical technology that have made Gabriela's treatment possible are incredible and cause for hope and celebration! However, the expenses that Miguel and Leslee will incur ovwer the next few years is staggering. Aside from the deductible and out-of-pocket medical expenses, Miguel and Leslee will have to cover all the expenses that come with long hospital stays, including: housing, food, gas, and wages that may be lost from extended periods away from work.
Miguel and Leslee need your help. First and foremost, they are in need of friends and family who will consistently bring them before God in prayer. If you would like to learn more about their situation and keep up with regular updates, please visit their Caring Bridge profile and sign up to receive email updates.
Second, if you are able and willing to help financially, your donation through GoFundMe would be greatly appreciated! The campaign goal is based on our best estimate of the non-medical expenses Miguel and Leslee will incur over the next few years; however, it may be adjusted in the future as arrangements are made and the details become clearer.
Thank you in advance for your care and concern. If you have any questions or concerns about how your donation will be used, or would prefer to give in another way, please do not hesitate to reach out.
Organizer and beneficiary
Sam Roderick
Organizer
Martinsburg, WV
Miguel Angel Yustiz Torres
Beneficiary