Adriel’s Journey: A Heart Transplant, A New Life, and the Strength to Keep Going. Hyn
Adriel’s story is one of hope, perseverance, and the incredible strength of a young boy facing the unimaginable. At a time when his heart was failing, and the unknowns of his future seemed overwhelming, Adriel’s family found solace in the knowledge that, with the right care and support, there was still hope for a brighter tomorrow. As his mother shared, “There’s a lot of unknowns and what ifs, but as one learns about how a heart transplant works, it gives one peace of mind, especially with amazing doctors and social workers who all work together.”
Adriel’s journey began with a diagnosis that no family wants to hear. His heart pressures were dangerously high, and despite the best efforts of his cardiology team, the situation grew more urgent. The doctors explained that the only way to help Adriel’s heart pump better and bring his pressures down was to place a Berlin heart on the left side of his heart. This life-saving device would give his body the time it needed to heal and prepare for a heart transplant.
On June 13, 2023, Adriel underwent the procedure to receive his Berlin heart, and his parents stood by his side as they took the next step in what would become a long, difficult journey. In typical Adriel fashion, however, he brought his own light to the situation. He named his Berlin heart “JJ,” a playful and meaningful tribute to both the kids’ show
Cocomelon and his cardiologist. For Adriel, JJ became not just a life-saving device, but a companion on his road to recovery.
Though Adriel’s heart was in better condition with the support of the Berlin heart, the path ahead was still full of challenges. Adriel was weak from the surgery and had to relearn the simplest tasks that we often take for granted—sitting up, walking, and even talking. These basic milestones, which many children achieve without thinking, became major hurdles for Adriel. But even in the face of these difficulties, he showed remarkable determination.
His mother, who had been his rock throughout the ordeal, often joked with him, but there was always an underlying seriousness to her words. “Be careful with JJ,” she’d tell him as he bent down to check on his heart. Adriel’s bond with JJ became symbolic of his inner strength and the resilience that he carried within him. Every day, he grew stronger, slowly but surely.
Relearning how to walk, sit, and talk wasn’t easy, but Adriel faced each challenge with a spirit that inspired everyone around him. The journey to recovery was long, and the road ahead wasn’t always clear. Yet, Adriel’s sense of humor and his unwavering love for his family kept him moving forward. He knew that JJ, along with his incredible medical team, was helping him get closer to the life he deserved.
But the story doesn’t end there. Adriel’s journey was only beginning. With the Berlin heart now helping his body function, the next step was a heart transplant, the final piece that would hopefully give Adriel the gift of a new, healthy heart and a future filled with possibilities. Through all of this, Adriel’s family has stayed hopeful and strong, knowing that with each passing day, Adriel’s dream of a healthier life was one step closer.
Adriel’s journey serves as a reminder of the strength of the human spirit, especially in the face of adversity. He has already shown incredible courage, and with the support of his family, doctors, and caregivers, he is preparing to take the next step towards a new life. His story is also a powerful testament to the importance of family, community, and the dedicated medical professionals who work tirelessly to make a difference in the lives of children like Adriel.
Adriel’s mom reflects on the incredible support they have received: “Having amazing doctors and social workers who all work together has been the greatest comfort through this journey. We’ve learned so much, and though the path ahead is still uncertain, we are filled with hope.”
As Adriel continues his recovery and prepares for the next phase of his journey, his family asks for your support. Whether through donations, prayers, or simply sharing his story, your help can make a difference in the lives of children like Adriel who are facing the unimaginable. With each step forward, Adriel gets closer to his goal of a healthy future—a future full of laughter, adventure, and the chance to live life to its fullest.
Through all of the challenges and the setbacks, one thing is certain: Adriel is a fighter. He has already shown the world what it means to be brave, to never give up, and to embrace every moment with hope, love, and determination. Adriel’s future is bright, and with JJ by his side, there’s no limit to what he can achieve.
Let’s continue to support Adriel on his journey. His strength is an inspiration, and together, we can help him continue to fight for the life he deserves.
Hudson’s Fight: A Brave Little Heart and a Family in Need.3025
Hi, my name is Dina Pogroszewski, and I am reaching out to share the story of my great-nephew, Hudson Merino, a brave little boy whose life has already faced extraordinary challenges. I have created this GoFundMe to help with Hudson’s extensive medical expenses and the financial burden his parents, Joe Merino and Mikaela Kaschner, are facing during this critical time.
Hudson was born prematurely on September 11, 2023, at Strong Memorial Hospital in Rochester, New York. From the very beginning, it waas clear that his journey would be far from easy. He was diagnosed with a congenital heart defect called critical aortic stenosis, a condition that required immediate medical intervention to give him a chance at survival. On September 19, Hudson underwent his first heart surgery to repair the defect. Unfortunately, the surgery was not successful, and complications during the procedure created additional challenges for his tiny body.
Following the initial surgery, Hudson faced a cascade of medical complications. He required a respirator to assist with breathing, developed pneumonia, suffered a collapsed lung, and needed a blood transfusion to support his organs. Each complication placed immense strain on his body and his parents’ hearts, as Joe and Mikaela watched their precious son endure life-threatening conditions at just weeks old.
On November 18, 2023, Hudson was transported by a mercy flight to Boston Children’s Hospital, where he received specialized care for his critical condition. The following day, a team of skilled doctors successfully performed open-heart surgery to repair his initial heart defect. Despite this success, Hudson’s fight is far from over. He is currently on ECMO life-support and continues to battle pulmonary hypertension. His lungs have been severely affected due to the extended time on the respirator, multiple infections, and the earlier collapsed lung.
For Joe and Mikaela, the emotional strain is immense. Every day is spent by Hudson’s bedside, monitoring his progress, advocating for his care, and navigating the uncertainty of each moment. The financial pressure compounds the emotional burden. Between hospital bills, medications, specialized medical equipment, and repeated travel between Rochester and Boston, the costs are overwhelming. In addition to medical expenses, the family must cover lodging, gas, meals, and other necessities to remain close to Hudson during his ongoing treatment.
This GoFundMe is an opportunity to help relieve some of that financial burden so that Joe and Mikaela can focus fully on Hudson’s recovery. Every contribution, no matter the size, directly supports medical care, travel costs, and day-to-day expenses, ensuring that his parents can stay by his side during this critical period. Your generosity allows them to provide Hudson with the love, attention, and support he needs to fight for his life.
Hudson’s story is one of courage, resilience, and hope. Despite the severity of his condition, he has already shown remarkable strength. Every stable heartbeat, every small improvement in breathing, and every milestone in his recovery is a testament to the bravery of this tiny fighter. His journey reminds us all of the power of love, family, and community support in the face of overwhelming challenges.
We humbly ask for your prayers, encouragement, and financial support. Each donation will help ensure that Hudson receives the best possible care and that his parents can remain focused on him, rather than worrying about how to manage the mounting expenses. Your support also provides hope — not just for Hudson’s survival, but for his ability to grow, thrive, and experience a healthy childhood in the future.
Please keep Hudson, Joe, and Mikaela in your thoughts and prayers. Your kindness, generosity, and support make a tangible difference in the life of this brave little boy and his devoted parents. Together, we can give Hudson the care, comfort, and opportunity he deserves, and help his family navigate one of the most challenging periods of their lives.
Thank you for taking the time to read Hudson’s story, and for standing with this family during this critical journey. Your support, prayers, and encouragement mean the world to them and provide hope in a time when it is needed most.
