On October 8, 2018, an emergency room visit lead to the biggest challenge of Timothy’s life. He came in with flu-like symptoms and shortly after, x-rays revealed an enlarged heart. He was transferred to Joe DiMaggio Children’s Hospital, where further tests showed that his heart was functioning at only 5%.

“When I came into the hospital, I didn’t know exactly what was wrong with me. It had not hit me yet, the measure of what had taken place in my body.”

His first treatment plan included medicine with the hope of reducing the heart size and increasing the low functioning rate. Tim was later diagnosed with Cardiomyopathy + Wolfe-Parkinson-White syndrome (an extremely weak heart with several electrical systems or ventricles). Cardiac Catheterizations were administered twice to close off the extra ventricle/electrical system in the heart. Both only lasted a day.

At this point, it was becoming apparent that saving Tim’s heart might not be an option. He would need to stay at JDCH to be monitored for emergency treatment until his condition improved or an alternative plan of action was determined.

“You gave me treatments, medicines, and rehabilitation; but what you truly gave me was hope.“

Tim’s heart continued to increase in size, heart failure could happen at any moment and a heart implant was his only hope. He was placed on a transplant list and as his condition continued to worsen, he was elevated to a priority patient. However, there were several other factors that would need to align in order for him to receive the transplant (age, size, blood type, etc.). One month later, by the grace of God, Timothy received a new heart.

“There are no words that I can use to show the amount of gratitude that I have for what you’ve done for me, you have truly changed my life.”

Timothy’s journey continues as he heads down the road to recovery. With your generosity we can help to support him in his time of need. 

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 Timothy, 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.