Shortly before Labor Day 2019, Leslee had an ultrasound that revealed her and Miguel’s unborn daughter, Gabriela, had a severe congenital heart defect. Her condition, diagnosed as Hypoplastic Left Heart Syndrome (HLHS), meant that the left side of Gabriela’s heart (the side which pumps oxygenated blood to the rest of the body) was severely underdeveloped. In later appointments, Miguel and Leslee would learn that HLHS, if left untreated, is fatal. Gabriela’s treatment will require three open-heart surgeries in the first few years of her life, the first of which would happen just two days after birth!

Fast forward to now, God has allowed Ela to survive a very complicated medical journey thus far, including 2 open-heart surgeries and a slew of complications! She is now a funny, happy 4-year-old who loves to sing and play with her older brother. Unfortunately, back in December of 2022, Miguel and Leslee got the hard news that Ela is not a candidate to receive the 3rd open-heart surgery that is needed and vital for her survival because of the fragility and complexity of her heart. Her remaining option for a chance at life is a heart transplant. Ela was placed on the heart transplant list in April 2023 and is still actively waiting for her special gift.

To be sure, the Yustiz family still has a long road ahead! They have reached out to COTA to help with transplanted-related expenses. Your generous donation to COTA to help support families like Ela’s is greatly appreciated.

The Children’s Organ Transplant Association (COTA) helps children and young adults who need a life-saving transplant by providing fundraising assistance and family support. COTA is the nation’s only fundraising organization solely dedicated to raising life-saving dollars in honor of transplant-needy children and young adults. 100% of each contribution made to COTA in honor of our patients helps meet transplant-related expenses. COTA’s services are free to our families, and gifts to COTA are tax deductible to the fullest extent of the law.