Support Nia's Fight for a New Heart

Help Nia Get a New Heart

Hi, my name is Tifanie and I’m reaching out with a heavy heart to ask for help. My daughter Nia is a brave 4 year old, battling an urgent need for a second heart transplant.

We’re raising funds to help with medical expenses, travel for treatment, and family support. I’m a proud mom of four amazing kids. Nia is the youngest and a true fighter. At just two weeks old she was diagnosed with cardiomyopathy, a serious heart condition that prevents the heart from pumping blood properly. It all started when I noticed that her breathing didn’t sound right—something just felt off. After a hospital visit, we learned that the left side of her heart wasn’t functioning the way it should. We were discharged with medications and a follow-up plan, but what no one told me was that Nia’s heart was working at just 40% capacity when we left the hospital. Six days later, she started crying uncontrollably. I trusted my gut and took her back to the doctor. That decision saved her life. While waiting to be seen Nia vomited, had a bowel movement, and turned blue in my arms. I screamed for help. The doctor rushed us into a room and called an ambulance. Her heart function had dropped to 10%. My baby was dying, and I had no idea. From there she was rushed to Brookdale, stabilized, and transferred to Columbia Hospital where she underwent countless tests and procedures. When her condition became critical, she was placed on ECMO (life support) on July 13, 2020. By a miracle, a donor heart became available just two days later, and her first heart transplant was performed July 16, 2020—when she was only 2 months old. Nia spent months recovering in the hospital and then in rehab. In December 2020, she was discharged on Christmas Day—the greatest gift of all. We moved to North Carolina in 2021, where she’s been under the care of Duke University Hospital. Sadly, in 2024, she was diagnosed with coronary artery disease—a progressive condition that affects the arteries in her transplanted heart. It cannot be reversed. She is now on blood thinners to help slow the progression, but her doctors have confirmed: she needs a new heart. Unfortunately because of certain circumstances, the doctors in North Carolina denied doing her second heart transplant leaving me to make the decision for my family to travel back to New York. We are asking for help as we prepare for a second transplant. I have been experiencing overwhelming pressure, sadness and sleepless nights, while also trying to stay positive for my children (ages 11, 8, 6, and 4) as a result of Nia not being able to get the heart transplant in North Carolina. I will have to take unpaid time off work when Nia goes into surgery and recovery. I haven’t accrued enough time off to support my family during this process. Raising these funds will help SAVE my daughter‘s life. Every dollar counts, and your support can make a real difference. I am also grateful for any resources you all can provide. Thank you for your kindness, prayers and support.