My name is Tess McCafferty and I am raising money for my neighbor PJ O'Toole - one of the strongest, most resilient five-year-olds I know!

PJ was born with a congenital heart defect and has already faced more in his young life than most adults ever will. Since birth, PJ has undergone multiple heart surgeries, and through it all, he’s been an absolute trooper — brave, positive, and inspiring everyone around him with his contagious spirit!

Over Christmas, PJ and his entire family came down with the flu. While the rest of the family recovered, PJ developed a serious blood infection that led to a bacterial infection in his heart. What was expected to be a 6–7 week hospital stay was tough news, but PJ’s spirit never wavered.

A few weeks into his hospital stay, PJ began experiencing severe headaches. Doctors performed a brain scan and discovered that PJ had suffered a stroke — devastating news for any family, especially one that has already been through so much.

Despite this unimaginable challenge, PJ and his parents have remained upbeat, positive, and incredibly strong, serving as a true inspiration to everyone around them. In the midst of all this, PJ also learned some joyful news — he’s going to be a big brother for the third time!

We are raising funds to help PJ’s family with any and all financial needs related to his medical care, including hospital expenses, travel, time off work, and the countless unexpected costs that come with a prolonged hospital stay.

Our hope is to wrap this family in love and support and allow them to focus fully on what matters most: PJ’s healing.

Any donation, big or small, is deeply appreciated. If you’re unable to give, please consider sharing this page to help spread the word.

Looking for other ways to help? Please be on the lookout for a benefit in PJ’s honor coming up this spring. Interested in donating a basket or prize? Please contact me through this page.

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Thank you for supporting PJ and his amazing family!