Anthony is an incredible 22 year old with a heart of gold, terrific smile, and the most contagious laugh you've ever heard. He was born with a rare condition called heterotaxy syndrome. This condition caused many cardiac defects as well as other congenital defects. Those cardiac defects include a hypoplastic left ventricle, double outlet right ventricle, total anomalous pulmonary venous return (TAPVR), as well as others. Heterotaxy causes organs to develop incorrectly, as is the case with his heart. There can also be missing or misplaced organs. He was born with no spleen, two right lungs, and his heart on the right instead of the left (dextrocardia). At birth, the single ventricle anatomy of his heart caused his oxygen level to be very low. His condition was managed with medication until his first open-heart surgery at 8 months old. This surgery helped but was only a stepping stone to his next surgery. When he was 3 years old, he had his next open-heart surgery that allowed blood to flow to his lungs without having to be pumped by his heart. This new circulation gradually caused congestion in his liver, which led to fibrosis, then cirrhosis. 
 
Anthony has struggled with heart failure for the last several years as well as symptoms of his liver not functioning properly. For the past two years, we have been on this transplant journey. Due to his complicated anatomy, he has been turned down by three centers, and another turned us away after waiting 6 months because of insurance issues. 
 
We are currently working with Texas Children's Hospital. The team there has been very supportive and encouraging. We should have a firm answer at some point in the next several weeks as to whether or not they will accept him into their transplant program. 
 
Upon acceptance, we are expected to move to Houston. He will be inpatient, living full-time in the hospital while he waits for a donor. The estimated wait time is 4 months or more. He will be in the hospital at least 3 months after having the surgery, depending on complications, and will be expected to live in the Houston area for up to 6 months after he is released from the hospital. 
 
I am asking for support for our family during this time.
 
We appreciate the blessing of support in any form, whether it be financial, prayer, or positive thoughts.

Aaron Hefley

Lauri Sternisha

Dean Trune

Amy Springborn

Patricia Milazzo

Anonymous

Stoney Moore

Lena Brewer

Rebecca Tamboli

Support Anthony's journey to a new Heart and Liver

Support Anthony's journey to a new Heart and Liver

Still $7,316 to go. Help us build momentum.