Supporting Staci

My cousin, Staci Carlberg-Labarbera, now in her 30’s was diagnosed with a rare disease (Kawasaki) that forced her to need a heart transplant at 15 years old.

She was in a coma for a long time, living in the hospital for many long months, waiting for a heart that would be a match. We were blessed to finally find a heart and Staci had a successful transplant in her early teens.

It took a lot of hard work and devotion for Staci to get back to living her life. Being bedridden for so long in the hospital, she struggled with mental and physical strength, eating, speech, school and getting her social life back, but she persevered.

Staci made sure to live life to her very fullest after that traumatic life event. Even with this hiccup in the road, she still managed to find the greatness in life. She now has a husband, children, a great job, and she tries to travel and explore as much as she can. She laughs, smiles and brings joy to those around her EVERY DAY. She is truly a positive, beautiful sparkle in this world.

Staci now faces what was expected to confront her sooner or later— heart failure (cardiac arrest). After 15+ strong and healthy years, she is now due for another heart transplant and will need to stay in the hospital hooked up to machines until a heart match is found, she undergoes surgery and works through a intense physical therapy plan.

I’ve seen how a little bit from those with compassion and empathy can go a long way in helping others…. I kindly ask for donations on Staci's behalf to help ease her financial burden with the tremendous amount of medical bills that will await her after her transplant.

If you are able to donate even $1, I promise it will mean millions to her and her family…. And if you cannot donate, I thank you already for taking the time to even read this story. At the very least, I please ask for you to pray for Staci… we greatly appreciate it.

Thank you!