I am supporting the Courage Classic for patients like Jelanee. From Jelanee's mom Sarah:
Jelanee was born full-term and seemingly healthy. It wasn't until about 4 months old when he started to show some signs that something wasn't right. At about 4.5 months old, Jelanee had a chest x-ray that showed an enlarged heart. We were life-flighted that day originally to the CICU in Salt Lake City where he was diagnosed with dilated cardiomyopathy. After about 3 weeks, we took another life-flight to Denver. Despite medical interventions, Jelanee's health continued to decline. His heart was too weak, so a few days after landing in Denver, Jelanee underwent his first open heart surgery to have an LVAD (left ventricle assist device) placed. This device pumped his blood for his heart and helped him survive in the hospital until he could receive a heart transplant. After 187 days on the transplant list, Jelanee got his new hero heart right before his first birthday! Finally, after 254 total days living in-patient at hospitals, we were able to take Jelanee home. Since discharge, Jelanee has started talking and walking and is living his best life!"