Written by, David Mendoza
Ailsa Mendoza was my wife, my best friend, my soul mate. She lost her battle with Congenital Heart Disease on October 11, 2013. I wanted to share her life's journey with you. Ailsa was born with Cyanotic Congenital Heart Disease and the doctor’s took care of her since her birth on, March 11,1969. She underwent Cardiac Catheterization at 8 months old and a Palliative operation on January 1970. This operation created an Anastomosis between the Superior Vena Cava and the Right Pulmonary Artery. When she was 4 years old, she underwent another open heart surgery for a Fontan operation and did well until she was 16 years old. She lived her life with some chest pain and with shortness of breath. ***Upon follow up care, the doctors stated that tests showed deterioration and they recommended another open heart operation. What many of us don't know - thankfully - is what it's like to love someone with heart disease. Whether it's your own child, your niece or your best friend's son, the sudden impact of a heart operation diagnosis is frightening. I want to help keep families from ever having to face that awful day and that heart diagnosis. In 2012, I started and got involved with The Ailsa Mendoza Heart Foundation of New Jersey and have registered this non-profit organization to raise funds to benefit loved ones with heart disease and their families. When a child is diagnosed with Heart Disease, such as Cyanotic Congenital Heart Disease you have a 50% chance of surviving. Today, thanks to research and advancements at places like the New York Cornell Medical Center, a child has a 50% to 80% chance of being cured of this heart disease. The challenge is to raise that percentage to 100% - and there is no time to waste. The Ailsa Mendoza Heart Foundation will give everyone the chance to help others with the same life threatening condition Ailsa lived with; while going into a whirlwind of surgery, therapy and other needs. Families could breathe a sigh of relief knowing a little help is on the way. I am asking that you sponsor the foundation with any donation you are comfortable giving. Your donation will help other children like Ailsa. I am willing to do whatever it takes to help families with children just like Ailsa, but I need your support. Visit our web page to donate online with a credit card or write a check payable to The Ailsa Mendoza Heart Foundation and mail it to 98 Frederick St. Your generous contribution is 100% tax deductible –
TAX I.D. 45-0586971. Thank you for your support. Together, we can help support and “Be the Key to Helping Someone's Heart”. Sincerely,
David Mendoza
Founder/President
David.AMHF@gmail.com
Phone: 732-221-9445
***UPDATE: by Elsie Mendoza
Thank you to all the Medical Staff at NY Presbyterian Hospital for their expertise and support during Ailsa's surgery. She fought a hard fight and the Mendoza Family is grateful that she had so many wonderful people in her corner. To our family, friends and anonymous donors,
Thank you from the bottom of our hearts. We will continue The Ailsa Mendoza Heart Foundation moving forward in Honor of Ailsa. With every donation and every person we are able to help, we keep Ailsa's memory alive! Sincerely,
Elsie Mendoza
Vice President/Project Manager
Elsie.AMHF@gmail.com
