Seventeen-year-old Ricky De La Cruz was born with a congenital heart defect called Hypoplastic Left Heart Syndrome that prevents normal blood flow.
His family knew the time was coming that he’d need a transplant.
He had the surgery in April but suffered complications; the family is still at the Lurie Children’s Hospital in Chicago.
Local residents are raising money for the De La Cruz family through a national charity called the Children’s Organ Transplant Association.
Shelley Smith is a long-time friend of the De La Cruz family. She says COTA is a secure way to donate to transplant recipients.
“And they really make sure that the funds go directly to that individual who’s having the transplant -- and that it’s all necessary needs,” Smith said.
Smith says events like meeting Patrick Kane from the Chicago Blackhawks keep De La Cruz’s spirits up while on the road to recovery.
“No matter what he has gone through, he always has the biggest smile," Smith said.
Smith says the De La Cruz family hopes Ricky can return home next month.