Short Summary

Riley O'Brien has fought for life since before he was born. When his Mom Carol went for a prenatal checkup at 22 weeks. She was told there was a problem. The baby boy she was carrying had Heterotaxy Syndrome and Congenital heart disease. The doctor's informed the O'Brien's that a baby with this type of diagnosis had a 50% survival rate.

 Riley was born with a fighting spirit. For the last four years his little body fights to stay alive. His veins are growing weaker. His body is having more and more health issues.

 In 2009, Riley officially was added to the national organ donor wait list. That gave the family great hope. Three times during 2011, he came close to having the gifts of life that he so desperately needs.Two occasions, he was prepped and ready for surgery. Unfortunately,both times the organs were not acceptable. This was crushing to the family.

Under the care of The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Riley has endured 26 heart cath procedures to help him live. His little body is growing weaker. He is starting to have new problems that the doctor's are trying to determine the nature. Riley lives with the help of an Oxygen tank around the clock. He is not able to go to preschool and play with kids like all healthy children do. He fights to live everyday. His need for one heart and two lungs is very rare. Currently, there are only three children in the United States who need one heart and two lungs.

 Riley, his 12 year old brother and his parents need a new home. They are currently living in an old doctor's office in Somerdale, NJ. Their home is only 700 square feet and needs many repairs. When Riley does receive his gifts of life, he will not be able to return to this house. The O'Brien's can not afford to buy a new home.

What We Need & What You Get

Currently, the O'Brien's owe roughly $150,000 on their existing home. They need a new, healthy home for Riley when he returns from receiving one heart and two lungs. Your donation will help the family stay together. The monies raised will help them build a home appropriate for Riley and pay off the mortgage that is currently being owed.

The Impact 

You will give Riley a healthy home to live in with his older brother and his parents.  Otherwise, where will Riley go after his transplant operation? Please help Riley and his family. Many thanks!

Other Ways You Can Help

Register to be an organ donor at your motor vehicle department or by visting http://www.organdonor.gov

Follow Riley's story on Facebook and Twitter. Send messages of incouragement.

CNN news story : http://ireport.cnn.com/docs/DOC-928703

 American Towns news story ~ 

http://www.americantowns.com/nj/somerdale/news/local-4-year-old-boy-needs-one-heart-two-lungs-one-home-12907107

Press and Media inquiries to: Kathy Horn Roadrunner Talent and Media Phone: 718-913-4858 Email: Kathy@roadrunnertalent.com  

MESSAGE FROM SUPERMODEL EMILY SANDBERG; http://youtu.be/MHm5AK_geDs

SPECIAL THANKS TO Mickie Kennedy of ereleases http://www.Ereleases.com for their waving the fee to run our press release this week ( 2/19.2013).