Adriel’s Journey: A Heart Transplant, A New Life, and the Strength to Keep Going. Hyn
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.
💙 A Heart Full of Hope: Cooper’s Story 💙.1412
From the moment baby Cooper entered the world in February, his life has been a story of bravery, faith, and love. Born with Hypoplastic Left Heart Syndrome (HLHS) — a rare and severe congenital heart defect — Cooper’s heart was not built like most. His first breaths were taken under the watchful eyes of doctors and nurses, surrounded by machines instead of lullabies. Yet, even in those fragile moments, there was strength in his tiny heartbeat — a will to live that inspired everyone around him.
Cooper has been hospitalized since birth. His early days were spent in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit in Rochester, before being transferred to the Cardiac ICU in New York City, over three and a half hours from his family’s home. For most babies, home means soft blankets, quiet nights, and the gentle rhythm of a family’s daily life. But for Cooper, “home” has meant bright hospital lights, steady beeping monitors, and the comforting touch of his parents’ hands.
His parents have remained by his side through every procedure, every long night, and every whisper of uncertainty. They have become experts at reading monitors, holding their breath through medical updates, and celebrating the smallest victories — a stable oxygen level, a successful feeding, a peaceful night’s rest. Their love for their son is the constant heartbeat that carries them through the storm.
Back home, Cooper’s two big sisters wait patiently, missing their parents and the baby brother they’ve yet to hold outside a hospital room. They draw pictures, record little messages, and count down the days until their family can finally be together. The separation has been hard — for the parents torn between two worlds, and for the children learning what love looks like when distance and sacrifice are part of it.
As weeks turned into months, the emotional toll was matched by a financial one. The cost of traveling between hospitals, temporary lodging, meals, and basic needs began to grow beyond what one family could bear. The parents’ focus remained on Cooper’s survival, but the stress of expenses — and the ache of being far from home — weighed heavily.
That’s where Hannah’s Gift of Hope stepped in.
Through the generosity of kind donors, Cooper’s family received help that made the impossible, possible. Your donations covered the costs that insurance never could — allowing them to stay in New York City near their baby boy, where their love and presence could make all the difference.
With your support, Cooper’s parents never had to face the unthinkable decision of being separated from their son during his most critical moments. Instead, they could sit beside him, hold his hand, and whisper promises of tomorrow.
“Thank you for everything,” Cooper’s parents shared softly. “Your donation has helped make it possible for us to be with Cooper in Rochester and New York City. This time is very difficult for our family, and your kindness has made a real difference.
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Those words reflect more than gratitude — they carry the quiet strength of parents who have faced sleepless nights, endless worry, and the fragile hope that love can heal what medicine cannot.
Cooper’s story is still being written. Each day brings new challenges and new triumphs — another test, another small victory, another reason to hope. Though his journey is far from over, his resilience is remarkable. Every tiny heartbeat tells the story of faith and perseverance, and every act of kindness reminds his family that they are not alone.
Thanks to Hannah’s Gift of Hope, they can focus on what matters most: fighting for their son’s future, together. Your generosity has given them the priceless gift of time — time to hold, to hope, to simply be there.
And that time, for families like Cooper’s, means everything.
Hannah’s legacy continues to shine in moments like these — in the warmth of a family gathered around a hospital crib, in the gentle clasp of a child’s hand, and in the quiet assurance that love can light even the darkest path.
Because every donation, every act of compassion, helps carry a family through their hardest chapter — and toward a brighter tomorrow.
From our hearts to yours, thank you for standing beside families like Cooper’s, for keeping hope alive, and for proving that love truly has the power to heal. 💙
