Meet Cristian
Cristian is just 18 months old and has been plagued with numerous ailments including mitochondrial disease, enlarged liver, kidney failure, and pulmonary hypertension. Cristian has been in and out of the hospital since birth and was recently placed in an induced coma for 2 weeks to try to stabilize his mitochondrial disease and pulmonary hypertension. Cristian is at Valley Children’s Hospital which is over 3 hours away from mom. Mom has to work during the week to support the family; she also has a 17-year old, 11-year and 5-year old children. Weekends are the only time she is able to visit Cristian at the hospital which has been very difficult for her and the family both emotionally and financially.
“Mitochondria are tiny compartments that are present in almost every cell of the body. The mitochondria’s main function is to produce energy. More mitochondria are needed to make more energy, particularly in high-energy demand organs such as the heart, muscles, and brain. When the number or function of mitochondria in the cell are disrupted, less energy is produced and organ dysfunction results. Mitochondrial disease can cause a vast array of health concerns, including fatigue, weakness, metabolic strokes, seizures, cardiomyopathy, arrhythmias, developmental or cognitive disabilities, diabetes mellitus, impairment of hearing, vision, growth, liver, gastrointestinal, or kidney function, and more. Currently there is no highly effective treatment or cure for mitochondrial disorder.” – Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia
Hearts Aligned has helped the family with rent and made referrals to Mother’s Helpers and LEAP (formerly Isla Vista Youth Project) to help the family with additional aid such as baby items, food and clothing. We received the referral from Family Service Agency. Hearts Aligned stands with this family in hopes that a cure can be found for their 18 month old baby.
Please consider supporting Cristian and his family along with the many others we are working with through their challenging journey.
Thank you for your support!