Jose Tovar's Heart

My name is Jose Tovar and I am 15 years old. I was born with a complete atrioventicular canal defect.  On the week of 9/11/2001 I was 3 months old and had my first open heart surgery. I recovered well  and my parents were relieved to know that I was going to be ok again. When I turned 1 I had my second open heart surgery, results were positive and I recuperated well ,  doctor said all I would need was yearly check ups.  Unfortunately at the age of 4 , I ended up needing my third open heart surgery and recovered again.  Eleven years now have passed and I am in high school and I joined the Waltrip Ram Band. My passion was to be in the drumline and with my hard work and true love for the instrument, I made the drumline!! Yayy!!  Little did I know what was lying ahead of me. During marching season I started to feel very exhausted and felt my heart beat harder than usual.  At times I felt I was not going to make the 8 minute performance.  After the second marching competition I was at my worst, my parents became very worried and I knew things were not right.  The next day I decided to tell my parents to take me to Texas Childrens Hospital.  After all the procedures and testing it was determined by the doctors that my only option is a heart transplant. Now, we are at a crossroads because the procedure is very expensive and beyond our family budget. My goal is to get back on my feet like everyone else to live a "normal" life. If you can find it in your heart to help contribute towards me getting this transplant, my family and I would appreciate  your support. We try not to ask for much, so this definitely is a plea for some assistance. Thank you and blessings to you all!!