Dear Friends, Supporters, and Compassionate Strangers,
My name is Alfie Larkins, and I am a close friend of Declan, whose beloved little sister Dorothea was born with HLHS (Hypoplastic Left Heart Syndrome) a severe congenital heart defect. Their family’s journey has been marked by courage and heartbreak, especially after enduring hospital negligence and malpractice in Italy, the only place available for treatment at that time.
Thankfully, a wave of international support has already provided a lifeline. A dedicated Polish GoFundMe campaign united over 16,000 generous donors, enabling Dorothea to get to Boston—a beacon of hope after unacceptable failures in Italy.
In the meantime, Declan (18) and I (20) have participated in a hunger strike across several central London landmarks, including the Italian Embassy, in the hope of gaining media traction. At the same time, Declan's father has been on a hunger strike in Rome.
What This GoFundMe Supports
The journey to Boston was just the beginning. With Dorothea now in need of open‑heart surgery, this GoFundMe is dedicated to ensuring that she and her family have the support they urgently need during this critical time. Every donation will go toward:
- Housing near the medical centre
- Out‑of‑pocket medical expenses
- Travel costs for family members
- Basic living needs (food, clothing, daily necessities)
Your generosity directly supports not just one little girl, but the resilience and love of an entire family facing unimaginable challenges.
Why Your Support Matters
- It ensures Dorothea’s comfort and stability while far from home.
- It ensures her family can focus on her recovery, not mounting bills.
- It stands in stark contrast to the inadequate care suffered in Italy—this time, they have a chance.
How You Can Help
Donate whatever amount your heart allows.
Share this campaign with friends, family, your social networks.
Follow updates if possible, so you can see how your support is making a difference.
I'm deeply grateful for any help you can give. Together, we can uplift Dorothea and her family through this crucial moment. Thank you for being a part of their hope.
With gratitude,
Alfie Larkins
Below is any story that Dorothea is covered on and or any other social media pages.
During Pregancy:
BBC BBC Interview - YouTube
Business Insider Parents-to-Be Told They Have 6 Weeks to Save Baby by Raising $3.2m - Business Insider
Surviving her first surgery:
The Sun Our miracle daughter was born with half a heart and given zero chance of survival but now three months on she's thriving | The US Sun
Business Insider Baby With Rare Heart Condition Survives Birth, Needs Second Surgery - Business Insider
Making it home!:
Readers Digest A MARINE'S Toughest Battle | Reader's Digest US - lifestyle - Read this story on Magzter.com
ITV News Baby with half a heart defies survival odds through NHS surgeon found on Facebook | ITV News Meridian
Social Media:
Tiktok savingdorothea (@savingdorothea) | TikTok
Instagram savingdorothea
Linkedin Bob Velez - BGC Group | LinkedIn
Organizer
