Team Collin

Collin was diagnosed with Chronic Heart Disease, something he was unknowingly born with. He had lived and thrived as a normal boy does with this going undetected...until just recently whena virus attacked his heart (sending red flags up everywhere to the doctors). His heart has not shown any signs of improving since then, nor will it...ever. He desperately needs a new heart.

UPDATE:The focus has temporarily changed courses and isnow on rehab and lots and lots of work for Collin and the medical staff. He underwent open heart surgery a couple weeks ago to implant an LVAD to save his life and keep his heart going until a new one arrived. Complications from this surgery resulted in several strokes...strokes that were said to be 'catastrophic'. The doctors didn't think he would live...let alone thrive at life at all if he did. He has shown us all that he has the stubborn/fighter Luitjen blood in him and refuses to give up. Each day small miracles occur and he is fighting HARD to come back to us. Already saying many words, smiling, LAUGHING, eating real food, etc. He needs to get through many months of PT, OT, speech therapy, etc. in order to even get back to the top of the transplant list. The path has taken many twists and turns, MANY ups and MANY downs. With each passing day, small baby steps towards the ultimate goal of getting Collin healthyand returning him to his home are taken.

The last thing Matt and Tammy need right now is any sort of financial stress...they need to stay positive and 100% focused on their son and his journey to get him healthy and to get himhome! Please purchase one of these shirts and wear it proudly to support Collin and his family. Help advocate the upmost importance of being an organ donor as well!! Thank you from the bottom of our hearts for helping any way you can. The Luitjens are more than appreciative and can't express their gratitude enough!!