Have a Heart for Ramiro

The family of a nine-year-old Yorkville Intermediate School student who underwent a heart transplant two weeks ago set up a donation page at gofundme.com for assistance with medical and financial assistance.

The young man, identified only as Ramiro on the site, went to see doctors in October for what his family thought was pneumonia, according to the message on the website. However, after running tests, doctors determined Ramiro had cardiomyopathy, which was causing his heart to function at only 15 percent. He was placed on the transplant list and within a matter of days a suitable donor was found. According to posts on the website he is doing well, but how long he will remain in the hospital is unknown.

Ramiro's aunt, identified only as Amy B. on the site, said Ramiro's mother has been by his side the whole time using all her vacation and sick leave at work, which is eating into the family savings.

"At this point finances are the last thing on her mind, but a necessity none the less to cover what insurance does not, ongoing household expenses...," Amy B, wrote on the site. "What we ask for most of all is prayers for Ramiro and of course any donation is very appreciated."

So far the site has raised $520.

Patch will update this story as more information comes in.