October 27, 2023 marks the 6 year anniversary of the death of our dear son Giovanni. While, these years have been challenging and filled with tears; they have also been filled with tremendous joy. The outpouring of love and support from family, friends, and perfect strangers has been heartening. And nearly 5 years ago, we welcomed Gio's little brother Luciano to the family. His love of life and strong personality (and red hair) remind us that Gio's spirit is everpresent.
Since we started the Giovanni James Terranella Heart Transplant Research Fund 6 years ago, we have long surpassed our original goal of $10,000 in the first few days and then $25,000 in the first few weeks and then $50,000 last year. We never thought we would get this far nor did we ever think a $100,000 goal was at all realistic. Were we wrong. We have been humbled by everyone's generosity. Thank you to everyone who has already donated to the fund so far to raise more than $100,000. We have a new goal to raise $200,000 over the next 5 years. For those of you who have already donated, please consider a second donation. If you have not yet donated, please consider donating today. Donations are tax deductible and qualify for the AZ Charitable Giving Tax Credit.
100% of funds donated through this site will go to Gio's fund to support the amazing work of Dr. Steve Zangwill and his team of researchers who are trying to improve survival for heart transplant patients. Funding his pioneering work on the causes of coronary artery disease in transplant patients will ensure that other children like Gio will have a better chance at survival. This fund was started to honor our son, Giovanni, who lost a long battle to congenital heart disease and a failed heart transplant. For those of you interested in the details of the research your donations fund, here are descriptions of some of the projects.
1. Cytokine patterns in the early period following heart transplant: finding clues to primary graft dysfunction and vasoplegia – In this study we will measure a broad array of cytokines (substances in the blood that control a wide array of immune and inflammatory activity) first to describe the typical patterns and then to see if we can see any patterns or cytokine signatures that may predict early difficult problems after transplant. With a growing array of new drugs that target specific cytokines, this pilot research could potentially lead to new diagnostic and even treatment strategies to predict, prevent and treat these problems.
2. Auto-antibodies in pediatric heart transplantation - This study will look at antibodies formed against self-proteins in heart transplant recipients. Limited literature in adult heart transplant recipients suggest these antibodies can form following heart transplant and may contribute to rejection and coronary allograft vasculopathy (the problem that Gio had). There is a paucity of data in children. We will also be looking at a much broader array of antibodies than previously examined and this may open the door to better more specific screening tests and targets for treatment.
2. Auto-antibodies in pediatric heart transplantation - This study will look at antibodies formed against self-proteins in heart transplant recipients. Limited literature in adult heart transplant recipients suggest these antibodies can form following heart transplant and may contribute to rejection and coronary allograft vasculopathy (the problem that Gio had). There is a paucity of data in children. We will also be looking at a much broader array of antibodies than previously examined and this may open the door to better more specific screening tests and targets for treatment.
You can read more about the transplant reserch being done at PCH here:
https://phoenixchildrensfoundation.org/moments/bold-ideas/inside-the-mind-of-a-cardiology-researcher/
We are so thankful for the love and support from all of our friends and family during our time of loss. We are particularly grateful to the amazing team at the Phoenix Children's Hospital Heart Center who allowed us to have nearly 2 years with our precious little boy. It is our sincere hope through your further donations, we can all leave a legacy in honor of Giovanni.
Congenital heart disease is the most common birth defect in the United States, affecting 40,000 births per year - nearly 1% of total births. 25% of these defects are critical, requiring surgery. Many of these children, like Giovanni, go on to need a heart transplant.
- Survival of infants with CHDs depends on how severe the defect is, when it is diagnosed, and how it is treated.
- About 97% of babies born with a non-critical CHD are expected to survive to one year of age. About 95% of babies born with a non-critical CHD are expected to survive to 18 years of age. Thus, the population of people with CHDs is growing.
- About 75% of babies born with a critical CHD are expected to survive to one year of age. About 69% of babies born with critical CHDs are expected to survive to 18 years of age.
- Survival and medical care for babies with critical CHDs are improving. Between 1979 and 1993, about 67% of infants with critical CHDs survived to one year. Between 1994 and 2005, about 83% of infants with critical CHDs survived to one year (CDC, 2019).
- There about 600 pediatric heart transplants each year, but despite many advances, nearly 20% of these children do not survive
While these numbers are heartening, we can do better. DONATE TODAY!
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