Transplant Type - Heart

When she was only 6 months old, Amanda was diagnosed with congenital heart disease, which also afflicts her sister. She has struggled with heart problems her entire life. Amanda's doctors said a heart transplant was essential to her survival. Thankfully, she received her lifesaving transplant in June 2010 and is recovering well.

Despite her struggles, Amanda has remained optimistic about the future and looks forward to having a normal lifestyle without constantly worrying about her health. She loves to spend time with her nephew and two nieces and hopes that one day she'll be healthy enough to run and play with them without feeling so exhausted. But she needs your help.

A heart transplant costs approximately $750,000. And that's only the beginning. Even with medical coverage, Amanda faces significant expenses. For the rest of her life, she will need follow-up care and daily anti-rejection medications. The cost of post-transplant medications can range from $2,000 to $5,000 per month--and they are as critical to her survival as the transplant itself.

Amanda's health prevents her from working, adding to her financial strain. She has health insurance under her father's plan, but she will lose coverage when she turns 25 in 2011. She will also incur travel expenses for the regular 30-mile trips to the transplant center in Detroit for follow-up appointments and evaluations.

You can help.
Your gift will enable NFT to assist with Amanda's expenses. To make an online donation, please click on the link beneath Amanda's photo. If you prefer to mail your gift, please send it to NFT Michigan Heart Fund, 5350 Poplar Ave., Suite 430, Memphis, TN 38119. Please be sure to write "in honor of Amanda Keys" on the memo line.

Thank you for your generosity!

Patient Health Institute: Children's Hospital of Michigan