Brandon Hernandez
Brandon is 5 years old and has a heart condition.
The Stony Point Seals have adopted 5-yr. old Brandon Hernandez of Haverstraw NY for the 2012 Polar Plunge Campaign. Brandon lives with his Mother, Michele Padilla, and has two older sisters – Ashley, 17: a Senior at North Rockland High School and Amanda, 12: a Seventh Grader at WGM.
Brandon was born with a heart defect called Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy and diagnosed with Noonan Syndrome from his heart defect. He spent two weeks in ICU, released home and then was admitted to Columbia Presbyterian for an additional two weeks. He was taking medication, but his condition did not improve and was put on the organ donor list.
His Family’s prayers were answered as Brandon received a new heart on 10/19/2006. He spent another month in the hospital. At five months old along the road to recovery, he developed an AV fistula in the right groin area and received surgery. During this time a blood clot was found and treated. His adenoids and tonsils have been removed and grown back numerous times, due to his medications. Brandon also suffered from frequent painful ear infections and he received tubes to alleviate this condition. From the medications Brandon takes he has a low immune system, he has battled with pneumonia, swine flu and bronchitis. Mom has to worry about other illnesses that could put Brandon’s life in danger.
Brandon attended Jawonio school for two years to receive physical, occupational and speech therapy. Now five years old, he attends North Garnerville Elementary School, and continues to receive speech therapy. Brandon’s Mom drives him to school, his Doctor visits (local and NYC). Recently her car died, which has increased the extreme financial burden of this Family of four.
Please consider participating in the Stony Point Seals Polar Plunge to help relieve some of the burden for young Brandon Hernandez and his Family. You can learn more about how to join in by visiting our participation page here.
Thanks and we hope to see you at the Polar Plunge 2012!
