Support Abby's Heart Transplant Recovery

Hi everyone I am Angela Taal and I am the sister of Joe LaBonte and sister in law to Abby LaBonte. You are seeing this Go Fund me because they need our help. On February 14th (yes Valentine’s Day) Abby wasn’t feeling well and Joe took her by car to get checked out at the hospital. On the way she had a massive heart attack (caused by a blood clot) and he pulled over and called 911. She was then brought to Baystate and on the following day was put on Ecmo (she wouldn’t have made it through the night if she didn’t)and transferred to Beth Israel (where she still is currently receiving treatment). Abby was unresponsive for 10 long days with multiple tests, procedures, and waiting lots of waiting for brain activity signs. On February 24th she finally opened her eyes a few times and shook her head to a couple statements from Joe and on February 25th she wiggled her toes and squeezed some hands. There was finally a light at the end of the dark scary tunnel for the LaBonte family. She was eventually taken off Ecmo, breathing tube came out and an Impella was implanted. It was now time to improve her strength, eating and prepare for a heart transplant. We have amazing news to report that on Sunday April 13th Abby has gone in for and successfully received a heart transplant from a donor in Michigan. Abby has a long recovery road ahead of her but we are all so so greatful that we can say she is on that road.

With all of this came support from family and close friends. We have all been there for Joe, Abby, Jake and Nate. We have kept our circle tight and have been sending all the positive vibes and love and support we can. Also in forms of gas $, hotel $ and food gift cards to help with the back and forth to Boston!

Now that we are on the recovery road there comes the stress of medical bills. Lots and lots of medical bills. Joe had to take a leave from work and was/still is going back and forth to Boston to be with Abby coming back every couple days to be back with the boys. Abby will be recovering in Boston in hopes eventually she can move to a rehab closer to home (Easthampton Ma).

Please if you know myself, my brother, my sister in law or any of my family or friends I hope you can find it in yourself to donate to them here or share this link! Anything helps to take some of the stress off their family.

Thank you so much ❤️

Angela