Zoey is a 16-year-old who suffers from a serious connective tissue disorder known as Marfan Syndrome. You can read more about Marfans from the <a href="https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/marfan-syndrome/symptoms-causes/syc-20350782" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Mayo Clinic</a>, but the most concerning consequence of the disease is how it affects the heart and surrounding veins and arteries. The most prominent symptom of Marfans, though, is the extremely long and thin bodies of its patients. <img src="https://d2g8igdw686xgo.cloudfront.net/53525884_1608931569906276_r.jpeg" alt="53525884_1608931569906276_r.jpeg" width="100%" media_type="3" />On December 14th, 2020, Zoey was evaluated in the local ER and diagnosed with multiple blood clots that were causing major issues with her heart, lungs, liver, and kidneys. She was airlifted to Riley Children's hospital, where she was put on a ventilator to assist her in breathing. The exact cause of the clots is still unknown, but Marfans was likely a contributing factor. The most serious impact of the clots was a decline in Zoey's heart function to the point where medical intervention was required to preserve her life.  <img src="https://d2g8igdw686xgo.cloudfront.net/53525884_160893181678638_r.jpeg" alt="53525884_160893181678638_r.jpeg" width="100%" media_type="3" />In the days following her admission to Riley, there were some promising signs of improvement in Zoey's condition. Though her heart was still weak, other organ functions improved and they were able to remove some of the life-supporting measures. Zoey and the rest of her family had really hoped she would be able to return home for Christmas. <img src="https://d2g8igdw686xgo.cloudfront.net/53525884_1608932504279995_r.jpeg" alt="53525884_1608932504279995_r.jpeg" width="100%" media_type="3" />Unfortunately, things took a turn for the worse about a week after Zoey was admitted to Riley. Medical interventions had not caused any improvement in her heart function up to that point; in fact, her heart function had continued to decline since entering the hospital. Having exhausted all other options, the only one remaining for Zoey is a full heart transplant. Her mother, Barbara, will begin the process of determining whether she will qualify for the transplant with a specialist on December 28th. <img src="https://d2g8igdw686xgo.cloudfront.net/53525884_1608933590748759_r.jpeg" alt="53525884_1608933590748759_r.jpeg" width="100%" media_type="3" />This campaign hopes to raise funds to help cover Zoey and her family's medical and living expenses throughout this process. Zoey will have to remain in the hospital until she is able to receive her transplant. At this point, there is no telling how long that may take, but it will likely be months. This will undoubtedly result in a monstrous medical bill once all is said and done. Additionally, Zoey's mother must remain at the hospital at all times should an emergency occur. This, of course, has limited her ability to work and support her family. <img src="https://d2g8igdw686xgo.cloudfront.net/53525884_1608934279865290_r.jpeg" alt="53525884_1608934279865290_r.jpeg" width="100%" media_type="3" />Thank you for taking the time to read this campaign for Zoey's Change of Heart! Zoey and the rest of her family greatly appreciate all of the support and kind words we have received from friends, family, co-workers, and even strangers. Zoey remains her sassy typical self while keeping a positive attitude about her situation. She is a remarkable young woman given that this is the third time she has been hospitalized this year. In total, she will have spent about three months in the hospital in 2020. If you are able to donate even a small amount, Zoey and the rest of her family will be forever grateful. Every small bit counts. God bless. <img src="https://d2g8igdw686xgo.cloudfront.net/53525884_1608934685570669_r.jpeg" alt="53525884_1608934685570669_r.jpeg" width="100%" media_type="3" />BONUS: <a href="https://www.wthr.com/article/news/local/indiana/royalty-athletix-cheer-team-where-disabilities-fade-and-abilities-shine/531-2da0bfd1-2a76-4180-b04e-57a0f5b6e1b6" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Here</a> is a link to a news story about overcoming disabilities where Zoey was interviewed back in January of 2020.

Kristy Holzhausen

Eric Vicars

Ariel Lacy

Sherrie Nicholson

Anonymous

Beth Ioannacci 

Dewey Allman 

Nick Eastham

Amanda VanDamme

Kristen Stein

Elizabeth Davis

Nicky White-Diercks

Dia Carter

Kari Leander

Karen  Hayden

Ray Midder

Zoey's Change of Heart

Zoey's Change of Heart

Still $44,970 to go. Help us build momentum.