Quick intro and how can YOU help...

OK...first post. Quick intro:

Julia is 3 years old and after having had a heart transplant at 8 months old, she has recently been diagnosed with PTLD (Post Transplant Lymphoproliferative Disease). She is currently in Sick Kids hospital in Toronto Canada receiving Cycle 1 of 6 cycles of chemo.

In 2006, Julia's own heart was weakened by cardiomyopathy. Cardiomyopathy, which literally means "heart muscle disease," is the deterioration of the function of the myocardium (i.e., the actual heart muscle) for any reason.

She was blessed to receive a heart transplant...

Julia dancing with her big brother Anthony

As a mother myself to two wonderful healthy boys, I cannot not even imagine the HORROR of this ever happening to my family. I remember once specifically asking Nadia after Julia's transplant how she had held it together, and she told me "You just do it".

Well now the family-Elio, Nadia, Anthony and the newest addition Emily are "doing it" again for Julia as she goes through cancer treatment at the tender age of 3.

They are lucky to have the best children's hospital here in Toronto, but situations like this put strains on a family. As a community I am asking that we be able to help take at least the financial strain off of this amazing family.

PLEASE click the red DONATE button on the left, and give as much as you can. I strongly believe it takes a village to raise a child, and a village to hold family together as they struggle to make themselves whole again.

Julia a few short months ago with Anthony and Emily