We are the Washingtons. Dad is Denzel, mom is Sarah, daughter Alina who is 5, and son Adonis who is 2 years old. We are a full family of 4 expecting a plus 1 in October 2024. Life is such a meaningful word these days after such a turmoil of experiences through the last year. On April 4, 2024, our life changed forever. Hit with unexpected news about our wonderful and spontaneous daughter Alina. We had noticed she was not herself as of late. Sadly, news came about that our sweet girl had been diagnosed with a heart disease called Restrictive Cardiomyopathy and she would have to have a heart transplant. To add on she would not be able to go home because she would need to be monitored close at the hospital and have to be put on Ventricular Assist Devices (BIVAD). We had no knowledge of the actions that were going to take place. Presenting us with options that sounded like a foreign language. Hearing this news and never having to deal with this kind of stuff through our family was really a wakeup call seeing how as we were not prepared for this at all. Not only mentally but realizing how much a toll financially this takes on a family that has nothing to reach or grab on for this kind of support. We understand people have their own lives as well and even though some people want to give the world to help you, they just aren’t able and it’s nothing that should ever make anyone feel they do not care about your situation just because they can’t help financially. We turned to God and just prayed He will lift this burden from us while our daughter was going through this tragedy that we had no understanding of. In this city Palo Alto, we were sent to Stanford a great hospital and couldn’t have asked to be at a better place. With that being said, it is truly so expensive to stay and even eat in this town. I cannot stress enough how expensive it is for people who travel so far to come get help trying to save their own or their loved one’s life, then to not really be able to eat or even house yourself close to the hospital is an addition to the stress and worry you have just being at a hospital. They offer a housing near no charge which is called the Ronald McDonald but sometimes there is not availability for some people who really need it. If you can’t get in there then you’re stuck paying $150-$300 a night a hotel or even more for an Airbnb and not to mention the medical cost after your visit that will stick with you. It’s just a stressful thing to constantly think about. As a father trying my best from going to laughing and seeing the world in a simple way to life turned into not being able to afford to care for my family or even house them is a degrading feeling I can only imagine single parents. With my fiancé being pregnant at the moment it was not ideal. Any parent can imagine the place our minds were at. Over the course of the months Stanford offered us just 1 month of rental assistance and $50 a week to spend at their own cafe which was also expensive, and we could not save the $50 it was given into vouchers. Was definitely a helpful gesture from them to offer us none the less, we have to use gas to go back and forth almost 2 and a half hours away to see our son, tried to tend to our jobs which was of equal distance. Everything was hitting fast, and bills were backing up. Rent, car payment, cell phone, credit cards, diapers and groceries, just the everyday life essentials. Nothing ever seemed enough. Seemed like everyday it would just pile and pile. Eventually we had to decide to let our apartment go which we couldn’t afford anymore and led us to be now homeless looking for a home as of now. With our faith in the Lord nothing was ever too much for us to keep a smile on our face in front of our daughter. As a family and team we made sure she was always in the best mood even though with her situation it could be hard to do so. Little did we know there are foundations and people who band together to help people get through these times that have the same background as we do. After living in the hospital almost 7 months we were pointed in a direction of a foundation called Heartfelt Help Foundation. We knew there were other foundations that help and we tried to reach out but it would always take weeks and months to hear back. After one phone call and an online application it seemed our now dear friend Denise had already constructed our stay at a hotel where we would be able to call a part time home for the mean time. The amount of weight lifted off our shoulders even for a small period of time was a phenomenal feeling that we will forever be grateful for. We cannot thank the foundation enough. We hope to help people who go through these times that have no financial support for housing near Stanford. Knowing how hard it is from a personal experience. They are a great foundation and not only us as parents but our children are thankful. We haven’t really stayed at hotels with them so it’s like a vacation for them. We would like to personally thank Denise for her help and always being available to assist us when needed. Thank you to the foundation as a whole. From the Washington family, we are forever thankful and you guys made us feel like you are truly and extension of family. Thank you.

-The Washington Family

Precious little Armaneigh was diagnosed at 9 months old with cardiomyopathy and spent the next 341 days in the hospital, ultimately receiving a new heart in mid-2023. Soon after discharge to medically-required temporary recovery lodging, her mother Tianna and their hospital social worker found that the location where the hospital referred them was inappropriate for Armaneigh’s fragile condition. Lacking another location to place them and financial resources to subsidize them elsewhere, the social worker referred them to Heartfelt Help Foundation who found appropriate local lodging, negotiated a discounted rate, and paid for their recovery period which stretched more than two months until doctors determined Armaneigh was stable enough to return home. The Lucile Packard Foundation for Children’s Health featured Tianna and Armaneigh in its November 2023 monthly magazine and recorded a video about their journey. From the hotel suite, Tianna also recorded a YouTube video thanking the contributors to Heartfelt Help Foundation who made their lodging possible (https://www.youtube.com/@heartfelthelpfoundation/videos).

“I am so grateful that we get to be part of the Heartfelt Help Foundation. This is the best opportunity that we could have been given. We are in local housing about 15 minutes from the hospital. I don’t have to stress about getting her to and from hospital appointments, therapy appointments. It’s just great, so great. And I am forever grateful to Heartfelt Help Foundation for everything you guys are doing for me and my daughter. We love you Heartfelt Help Foundation! Thank you so much!”

-The Williams Family

We are so incredibly grateful for the Heartfelt Help Foundation! When our 14 year old son Bodie suddenly needed a heart transplant, we found ourselves unexpectedly uprooted from our home in San Diego and living up in the Bay area. When Bodie was discharged from the hospital a month after receiving his new heart, it was amazing to know we had a safe space for him to recover. To have a place to stay free from germs and crowds, where he could have his own space to rest and heal, and where we could cook meals without worrying about exposing him to unnecessary germs, gave us such peace of mind. His recovery since then has been nothing short of miraculous, and I attribute that so much to being in a quiet and peaceful environment to heal. For a 14 year old, having an environment that replicated home was key, and thanks to HHF, we were able to do that for him! He was able to help cook meals and take long walks every day.  When my husband and daughter came to visit, we had enough space for them to stay as well! We can never thank the Heartfelt Help Foundation enough for their assistance during such a stressful time! We will always be fans of HHF!

-The Bennett Family

What would someone do at the height of stress over a serious medical condition?
Wilbert had a bad heart and was very sick. We asked GOD for help. Our prayers were heard. For HE sent his angels on “persona” to help us. Medical staff, doctors, surgeons from Kaiser and Stanford Hospitals who are all specialized in cardiology got involved to help Wilbert’s heart condition.

He now has a new and healthy heart!️ We thank everyone. These Angels God sent for this miraculous healing, not just medical staff but also people who were with us at this time of healing. We thank Ms. Denise Redeker and The Heartfelt Help Foundation for being there not just for moral but also financial support, who sponsored our place to stay near the hospital for follow-up appointments and rehabilitation after heart transplant. Denise became a part of the family, whom we can reach for any questions and around for us. Thank You!!!

The Heartfelt Help Foundation’s heartfelt dedication and help to each and everyone in need makes a difference in everyone’s life they touched, like ours. More power to Ms. Denise and The Heartfelt Help Foundation!

-The Dow Family

Our dad’s social worker recommended we connect with Denise and the Heartfelt Help Foundation for possible assistance with post-surgery costs. To our amazement, the Heartfelt Help Foundation has not only provided financial relief, but they provided emotional support as well. Denise has provided our family comfort and reassurance during one of the most difficult times of our lives. Although words cannot express our gratitude, we hope the Heartfelt Help Foundation knows we appreciate their generous and genuine support. Thank you, thank you, thank you!

-The Leano Family

Facing the uncertainty of medical outcomes can be incredibly daunting. As the days spent waiting in the hospital stretch on, concerns about accommodation and financial matters can add to the stress. It’s important to stay strong for a loved one who is receiving a second chance at life with a new heart and liver. During this challenging time, I found it helpful to remember that there is hope ahead.

One bright spot in our journey was Denise from the Hartfelt Help Foundation. Her support was invaluable, alleviating some of the burdens we faced by helping us find a place to stay. Moreover, Denise took the time to visit us in the hospital, which meant a great deal to our family. We are truly grateful for everything she and the foundation have done for us. Thank you, Denise, for making a positive difference in our lives.

-The Martinez Family