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This is the journey the Grillo Family is on, as told by Monica, Ben's mom:
Ben, our “little man”, at just two and a half years old, is in bilateral heart failure. On Thanksgiving morning Ben went into cardiac arrest as a result of his worsening heart failure, which will require an open heart, bypass surgery. His cardiac team hopes to repair or replace his Mitral Valve and place a Pulmonary Valve. Ben was born with both Tetrology of Fallot and an AV Canal defect and has had two open heart surgeries already at the University of Virginia in Charlottesville to start the process of fixing his heart so that he can lead an independent life of choice.
This upcoming surgery will require that he stay at the hospital for a minimum of 8 weeks: from his cardiac arrest event on Thanksgiving until a minimum of 1 week after the heart surgery scheduled for January 7th. It will take a total of 6 weeks after surgery for full recovery which will require us to take some time off to care for our sweet boy.
In addition to having the cost of the surgery, we will need to supplement our incomes for the time off as well as accommodations near the hospital, travel to and from, as well as help caring for Ben’s new little sister, Lily, born on 11/9/18. She is staying with us near the hospital so we can continue to bond with her during the newborn period, despite the stress of the situation.
We are incredibly grateful for any support, whether you send prayers or make a financial contribution for our sweet Ben. Please consider helping us spread the word- no contribution is too small. With every cent you will be part of our little man’s journey to a stronger heart and a longer, healthier life with his family and friends.
Forever Grateful,
Tony, Monica, Lily & Ben
Ben, our “little man”, at just two and a half years old, is in bilateral heart failure. On Thanksgiving morning Ben went into cardiac arrest as a result of his worsening heart failure, which will require an open heart, bypass surgery. His cardiac team hopes to repair or replace his Mitral Valve and place a Pulmonary Valve. Ben was born with both Tetrology of Fallot and an AV Canal defect and has had two open heart surgeries already at the University of Virginia in Charlottesville to start the process of fixing his heart so that he can lead an independent life of choice.
This upcoming surgery will require that he stay at the hospital for a minimum of 8 weeks: from his cardiac arrest event on Thanksgiving until a minimum of 1 week after the heart surgery scheduled for January 7th. It will take a total of 6 weeks after surgery for full recovery which will require us to take some time off to care for our sweet boy.
In addition to having the cost of the surgery, we will need to supplement our incomes for the time off as well as accommodations near the hospital, travel to and from, as well as help caring for Ben’s new little sister, Lily, born on 11/9/18. She is staying with us near the hospital so we can continue to bond with her during the newborn period, despite the stress of the situation.
We are incredibly grateful for any support, whether you send prayers or make a financial contribution for our sweet Ben. Please consider helping us spread the word- no contribution is too small. With every cent you will be part of our little man’s journey to a stronger heart and a longer, healthier life with his family and friends.
Forever Grateful,
Tony, Monica, Lily & Ben
Co-organizers5
Monica Grillo
Beneficiary