Levi Gonzales: Brave Heart

Written by Roxana Gonzales

My brave son, Levi Gonzales, was diagnosed with Marfan’s syndrome when he was a year old. Marfan’s syndrome is a genetic disorder that affects the connective tissues of the body. Connective tissue is responsible for providing support, structure, and protection to other tissues and organs in the body – such as the skin, bones, blood vessels, and heart. Marfan’s syndrome may also result in the cardiovascular valves having issues such as being enlarged, which can result in life-threatening complications. Currently, there is no cure for someone with Marfan’s however, with the proper medical treatment and management of the condition, it is possible for someone with Marfan’s to lead a full and productive life. 

My husband, Frank, and I have done our best to help our son, Levi navigate through life’s challenges of living with Marfan's syndrome. Although he is still too young to comprehend the depth of his diagnosis, Levi understands that, at times, he should slow down and take it easy for the sake of his heart. Levi is a cheerful and active child who loves participating in sports and playing with his friends. Unfortunately, due to the strain it puts on the connective tissue in his heart, he is unable to play basketball, engage in calf roping, or in major physical activities or contact sports. Despite these limitations, Levi is determined to live life to the fullest and embrace the beautiful life that God has given him. With the help of his medical team, Frank and I have made sure that Levi is up to date on his medical examinations and checkups to monitor the health of his heart. 

After nine long years of battling the uncertainty of Marfan’s syndrome and treating it as instructed, Levi’s health has taken a turn for the worse. We are currently in need of a major heart surgery for Levi and would appreciate all the prayers, loving support, and financial help that anyone would like to give. To ensure that Levi has the greatest chance at life, he needs surgery as soon as possible. The procedure will help repair any potential issues that could arise from the complications in his heart and improve his overall quality of life. 

Surgery will take place at Cook Children’s Medical Center in Ft. Worth, TX. Our family lives about 7 hours away and will need to travel and stay in Ft. Worth during the surgery and recovery. Levi’s father will most likely drive back and forth for work during the post surgery recovery time. I will stay with Levi in Ft. Worth. My mother will be with me to help with our 3-year-old, Matthew. 

Lastly, we would like to ask for your prayers for our brave boy, Levi, and our family during this difficult time as it has taken a toll on us all to see our sweet boy facing all of this at his young age of nine years old. We believe in the power of prayer, and the support of our loved ones means the world to us. Thank you for your love and support. May God bless you and your family. 

❤️ With love, the Gonzales Family (Frank, Roxana, Matthew, and Levi) 

To donate to the Brave Heart Giving Campaign, click the button below. Please make a note on the donation page that this is a donation to the Gonzales family. Your donation will go directly to the Gonzales family to help with expenses throughout this medical emergency.  We appreciate your gift so much!