Transplant Type - Heart

Ridge, born in 2005 with hypoplastic left heart syndrome (HLHS), has spent much of his short life in the hospital. HLHS is a rare congenital heart defect in which the left side of the heart is severely underdeveloped. Ridge has courageously undergone several heart surgeries, as well as other procedures just to keep his tiny body alive.

HLHS has a grim prognosis. Many babies stricken with this defect are simply sent home to die. But Ridge's parents, Adam and Crystl, refused to give up the fight for their son. Their young family has endured numerous hardships, and Adam and Crystl have made many sacrifices to keep their son alive. After missing too many days of work, Adam lost his job. Soon after, their mounting expenses caused them to lose their home.

Doctors said a heart transplant was Ridge's only hope. Thankfully, in October 2008, Ridge received his new heart. After transplantation, Ridge still has a long road ahead of him. And he needs your help.

The average heart transplant costs more than $600,000, and that's only the beginning. Ridge will need a lifetime of follow-up care and daily anti-rejection medications. The cost of post-transplant medications alone can range from $2,000 to $5,000 per month--and they are as critical to his survival as the transplant itself.

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

Thank you for your generosity!

Patient Health Institute: St. Louis Children's Hospital