Save Aaron’s Broken Heart
My name is Elizabeth Tanner and I am mom to 4 wonderful boys Nicholas 14, Noah 9, Ethan would be 6 and Aaron whom this blog is for is 4 years old. Aaron was born 4 years ago with a congenital heart defect called Hypoplastic Left Heart Syndrome. It is a very major heart defect that only the left side of your heart works. He has had three open heart surgeries amongst others and as of May 30th he is in renal failure and now is going to need a kidney transplant.
I was just informed today that his heart is not handling the stress and is suffering – he is going to need a heart transplant at the same time making him one of a very few that need a multiple organ transplant. I am beside myself, I truly do not know how much more I can handle.
Aaron’s last hospital stay…
- Aarons last hospital stay
4 years ago – 6 weeks after Aaron was born we lost our then 27 month old son Ethan to what is called hypotropic cardiomyopathy. It was devastating to our family he was never diagnosed so it happened very suddenly. Through our family and friends, with there emotional support and love we have made it this far.
I am starting this blog because I really want to share Aarons story with many. He is a miracle and the biggest fighter you have ever seen.
God has a reason for all things in this life, we do not know what it holds for us. Aaron is here for a purpose I have been told that by many people. So I have to share with the world what is happening. Ethan was here on this earth for such a short time but he was here long enough for Aaron to be born. We have suffered immensely by his loss. I cannot even put my grief and the grief of my family into words.
It is going to cost more than our insurance covers, we have a lifetime maximum of $350,000 and we are already very close to capping out. His anti-rejection medication, after surgery alone is more than $7,000 a month. We need help.
How you can help:
If you are in a place to make a donation here are a couple of options:
My number is 925-899-1010.
Posted: Tuesday, July 28th, 2009
Hi Elizabeth,
My name is Laura and I am the executive director for local non-profit organization Kids Helping Kids. I read your article in March’s 110 magazine that pretty much broke my heart. I saw my very good friend Tricia Piquero today and she told me that the disco night that Dino is doing on Saturday night at Caps is going to benefit Aaron. I’d like to help if I can. Please email me when you can laurapage@kidzhelpingkids.org.
Friends of the Tanner family are planning a fundraiser at Straw Hat Pizza in Brentwood on Sept. 17th. Please plan to attend and support this worthy cause! If you have any other fundraising ideas, please feel free to contact me at klucido@pacbell.net.
Dear Liz, Mark & family,
I hope that you remember me from our childrens school, I know it has been a while since I have seen and talked to you since I moved back to PA from CA because of a major life change. I was sent this information from one of my dear friends from Holy Rosary. I am so sorry to hear about your cute little guy Aaron. (When I close my eyes I see him in his boots on the wrong feet and his binky in his mouth). I was in tears when I heard about it and knowing your past, understand that you must be totally devastated and don’t know which way to turn. I am going to pass this information on to my friends and family here in Pennsylvania, many who have prayer chains, and possibly some who will be able to donate some funds to you.
I will keep you in my prayers and in my heart for your family to endure the stress and pain of this situation and that God will lift you up and keep you strong for your little guy Aaron while you all go down this road.
I will make a donation of $250.00 for your family. Believe me, if I was in a better financial place myself right now, I would love to give you more if I could.
May God Bless & keep you all.
Love Karyl Beardsley Poggi
Hi Aaron,
My 6 year old son Jordan is looking forward to meeting you and playing with you. He is going to ask God to give you a new heart and kidney so you don’t have to go to the doctors or hospital so much. We love you and we have faith God is listening.
Dear Family, I don’t know you but I love you! I feel your pain. It’s so hard as a parent to watch your child go through so much. No one knows unless you have been through it. Like you I have a child with severe medical needs also. I am blessed that I have been able to get the care he needs right now. I can’t imagine waiting for organs, how terrible that must be. Not only having to wait for that then having to deal with the cost of things. Why is it that when we are in a crisis that life has to go on? Why can’t it stop till we have the strength to go on? Please know that Tanner and your family will be in our prayers and may God give you all the strength you need right now. Like I said I don’t know you but I love you, Michele, Brian, Libby, Cam & Blake
Dear Elizabeth and family,
I recently heard about your little boy from my cousin Karyl Poggi, and feel we feel your pain. We know another little fellow in our area that is fighting a similiar battle and just want you to know our hearts and prayers go out to you and all those suffering children. I have sent a small donation and will keep you in our prayers.
The Gordon family
Elizabeth,
You, Mark, and the boys are in our thoughts and prayers. I have asked several of our friends and family to pray and have directed them to your blog, also. I pray that God will give you strength this week and will comfort Aaron, as you guys are at the hospital.
With love,
Kardos Family
Dear Liz and Family,
My heart goes out to you! You’re all in my prayers. I’ll spread the word to help. Have you contacted Children’s Hospital in Oakland, or St. Jude’s Childrens Research Hospital? Do you know of
the medical clinic at Christ the Light Cathedral in Oakland ? – 519 587-3000.
There is a unique group that may be able to help – Christian Medi-Share – http://www.medi-share.com.
God Bless,
David Zarri