Jessica Venditto's Journey

“Every Day Is a Great Day”

So, there’s this family…

The Venditto family is the epitome of a happy, perfect family.  Their positive outlook on life is displayed in everything they do.  You are greeted with a smile from each of them at all times regardless of what is going on in their lives personally.  If you know any member of this beautiful family for five minutes, you feel their warmth and sincerity immediately.  Debbie & Mikey have three beautiful daughters that are just as positive and kind as their parents. 

Jackie was recently married to her soulmate, Michael, in September of 2016. Jessica (AKA “Pippy”) is 22 and studying Medical Billing at Nassau Community College, and Jenna is a sophomore in high school, who is thriving as a cheerleader and friend to many.

Jessica Venditto, AKA: Pippy, was born 22 years ago with a very rare heart disease.  Her struggles started immediately and doctors at Columbia Presbyterian didn’t expect her to make it.

Before the end of Jessica’s first day of life, doctors performed, her first of many, open heart surgeries.  At three months old, Jessica began having complications and needed her second open heart surgery.  Jessica’s heart was failing after this surgery and she was put on a respirator and was in the hospital for two months.

Jessica has since had five open heart surgeries; one resulting in a punctured lung.  Now, in addition to her heart problem and only having one lung, she has recently been diagnosed with Cirrhosis of the liver.  Doctors say that she needs both a heart and liver transplant.  The problem is that no doctors have ever performed both a heart and liver transplant on a patient with only one lung. 

In addition, there is a fairly new medication that doctors feel might help to prolong the function life of Jessica’s heart and liver. Her team of doctors have been trying for months to get this medication approved by the insurance company however, it is still pending further clinical evaluation.  This is a very expensive medication if paid out of pocket, but the Venditto’s are willing to do whatever they need to in order to get this approved and paid for Jessica.

The doctors are sending Jessica to Chicago and Pennsylvania for a consultation to see who would be willing to perform both a heart and a liver transplant taking into consideration her rare situation.

Jessica loves life way too much and touches everyone she meets.  She always has a smile on her face.  Her daily saying is…”Every Day Is a Great Day!”

With Jessica’s positive attitude on life and the continued battles she has had to face in her journey, we are all confident in the fact that she will conquer this challenge as well.

Whether Jessica has the transplant in Chicago or Pennsylvania, the family will need to move there for this procedure while waiting for the donor organs from the transplant list.  This will result in relocating for months at a time.  This will be a huge financial burden on the entire family during this period. 

All prayers and any donations are greatly appreciated.   Donations are being accepted now through Go Fund Me.

In life there are ups and downs, but together we can get through it all.   Just remember Jessica’s favorite saying,…”Every Day Is a Great Day!”