Ingrid was born without issue this past April. Two days after going home, her parents (Xiomara and Salvador) rushed her back to the local emergency room where she was immediately transferred to Valley Children’s Hospital in Madera, over 180 miles from home. She remained in the hospital for 33 days where she was diagnosed with Pseudohypoaldosteronism type 1(PHA 1). PHA1 is a condition characterized by problems regulating the amount of sodium in the body. It is also a life-threatening disease that causes severe hyperkalemia (high levels of potassium) and cardiac arrest if not treated appropriately or if diagnosis is missed.
We received Ingrid’s referral in June while she was hospitalized at Cottage Children’s Medical Center. Ingrid’s battle with PHA 1 and managing her high potassium levels have been challenging for the family. Ingrid has been in hospitals and in the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU) for most of her life, over 150 days, and only home for 20 days. Her fragile condition has led to many intubations and near loss of life.
The stress on Xiomara and Salvador has been tremendous. The family has a 3-year-old daughter and the family has been doing everything to keep Ingrid alive and keep their family together.
Paid family leave for Xiomara ended and she has not been able to return to work as she has spent every day and night by Ingrid’s side at both Cottage Hospital and Children’s Hospital Los Angeles. Salvador has continued to work while also caring for their 3-year-old. He travels every weekend to be with his wife and sick child.
Ingrid remains at CHLA where doctors are hoping to get her potassium levels under control and send her home in a stable condition. She will be battling this illness for the rest of her life.
Hearts Aligned has been providing much needed gas cards along with auto loan payments for dad to make the trip to LA, along with grocery cards for both Xiomara and Salvador as they are living separately. We have been there to listen to the frustration, worry and sadness that has plagued this family for the past 6 months.
More stories like Ingrid’s can be found on our website.
She and others are the reasons we exist. Please help Ingrid and other families that are also struggling with having a critically ill child by making a donation today.
