Two-year-old AV had an extremely complicated, high-risk, heart failure condition that was causing her other organs to fail, too. Seven transplant hospitals all across the country declined to try a transplant. A San Francisco Bay Area hospital tried to help her during seven months in intensive care, but she passed. AV’s mother wanted a dignified, marked place to honor her memory, heroic fight, beautiful life, and grieve her loss. But she was unable to afford any headstone because she’s a single parent, works as a grocery clerk earning less than living wage, and is deeply financially challenged. Her transplant team social worker contacted nine agencies and organizations who usually help grieving parents, but none were able to help; many said they’re out of funding. As a last resort, the social worker contacted Heartfelt Help Foundation even though she knew HHF’s mission is to help heart transplant recipients. She also knew HHF’s slogan is “Compassionately supporting heart transplant patients in financial need,” and this patient’s parent needed financial help and compassionate support. Thanks to HHF’s contributors, we were able to step outside of our normal and pay for a modest headstone.
