Financial Assistance & Impact
Hearts in Action
At Heart of a Dinosaur, we believe no family should face the challenges of congenital heart disease alone. Through our Hearts in Action program, we provide direct financial assistance to families of children battling critical heart conditions—and honor the stories of the brave heart warriors we’ve helped along the way.
Apply for Assistance
If your child has a documented cardiac diagnosis and is under 17 years of age, you may be eligible for financial or bereavement support. We offer two types of assistance:
Financial Assistance
For families currently navigating care, surgery, or hospitalization related to a pediatric heart condition.
Eligibility:
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Child must be under 17 at time of application
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Cardiac diagnosis must be verified by a treating physician or hospital
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Application is valid for 12 months from approval
Bereavement Assistance
For families who have experienced the unimaginable loss of a child due to a congenital heart condition.
Eligibility:
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Child must have been under 17 at time of passing
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Must provide a letter of diagnosis and death certificate
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Application is valid for 12 months from approval
Submit Your Completed Application:
Email: contact@heartofadinosaur.org
Phone: 830-631-7849
Mail: Heart of a Dinosaur, c/o Victoria Davis, P.O. Box 1158, Pleasanton, TX 78064
Meet Our Heart Heroes
We are honored to share the stories of some of the incredible children and families we’ve been able to support thanks to your generosity. Each spotlight celebrates strength, love, and the impact your donations make.
"Rocking and Rolling" Roland Lennox
Let us introduce “Rocking and Rolling” Roland Lennox as his cardiac nursing team family knows him.
Roland was born June 2, 2025 and we found out that he had hypoplastic left heart syndrome early along in the pregnancy and had been to every specialist in the state of Louisiana to come up with a plan of action. If Roland were to be born anywhere other than New Orleans he wouldn’t have made it through the birthing process. Not only did he only have one chamber of his heart but his arteries were smaller than the sharpened tip of a #2 pencil. His survival rate was low. Roland was born in Touro and rushed straight to the cath lab at Manning Family and Children Hospital where they were able to balloon the arteries and buy some time.
From birth to now Roland has had 8 heart procedures with more to come in the near future. Roland has Mitral Stenosis and Aortic Atresia, all while having had a stroke while in the hospital. Roland’s road has been long and hard and his spirit is always so bright. He is able to light up a room and melt a heart in a split second. His path is still uncertain, but for now we know there is least two more major open heart surgeries with a possibility of a heart transplant if these procedures do not go in his favor.
Our hospital stays get a little longer every time. The time we spend away from our other som gets to us also. We are so grateful for what we do have and every single day. To know Roland is to love him and he is miracle. His cardiac team named him “Rocking Rolling” because even though complications come his way Roland comes back fighting harder every single time and overcomes them with smiles.
Heart of a Dinosaur is happy to rock and roll along with Roland and his family in the journey.
Alaina’s Remarkable Resilience
It’s our honor to welcome to our Heart of a Dinosaur family the amazing Alaina Bustamante. Alaina’s heart journey started when her mother Cheyenne was pregnant. During Cheyenne’s pregnancy, Alaina was found to have a Congenital Heart Defect. Cheyenne visited Methodist Children’s Hospital to prepare for Alaina’s birth and the care she would need immediately after.
On February 3, 2025 Alaina was born at 36 weeks old. After Alaina was born she was immediately taken to the NICU where she had her first echocardiogram which confirmed her complex Congenital Heart Defect. Alaina was born with Atrioventricular Septal Defect, an abnormal left AV heart valve and a severe coarctation of her aorta.
On February 25, 2025 Alaina had her first open heart surgery. During the remainder of her hospital stay in the Pediatric Cardiac ICU (PCICU) she was seen and closely monitored by numerous specialty providers including cardiology, cardiac surgery, general surgery, nephrology, neurosurgery, neurology, gastroenterology, and endocrinology.
Her family spent time in the hospital learning all of the specialty cares Alaina would need at home including a complex medication regimen, careful monitoring of her oxygen saturations, heart rate, her weight etc. After almost two months in the hospital she was discharged home. Alaina thrived outside of the hospital and was able to spend 4 months at home. While at home she was closely monitored by many of the specialists she saw in the hospital. Alaina went to dozens of appointments!
In July, it was time for the next steps to care for her special heart. Alaina’s team needed specialized data of her heart before she would undergo her next needed heart surgery. Alaina went to the Cath Lab for her Cardiac Catheterization and was discharged several days later.
On August 5, 2025, Alaina had her second heart surgery. She underwent her first surgery as a neonate. Alaina has been admitted to the hospital in the PCICU ever since, (150 days in the hospital). Alaina's heart disease is very complex, resulting in a long hospital stay where she has fought through and continues to fight through many challenges, including the need to undergo additional open-heart surgeries to repair and replace her mitral valve. She has undergone many cardiac catheterizations and other necessary procedures including peritoneal dialysis, plasma pheresis, blood transfusions, multiple line and drain placements. These challenges have required Alaina and her family to be in the hospital for Alaina's first Halloween, Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year's. She is such an amazingly strong fighter and continues to show that fighting spirit on a daily basis alongside her team at Methodist Children's Hospital.
As Alaina continues to grow in life, and her journey continues, our organization is blessed to have the opportunity to welcome her to our Heart hero’s.
Samuel’s Steadfast Strength
Please meet the rambunctious Samuel who is three years old, and surviving a medical journey that would break most adults. The entire pregnancy we believed he was healthy, with the only concern being horseshoe kidneys — something we were told was just an ultrasound finding and “nothing to worry about.” But the moment he was born, our world flipped. One diagnosis became another, and suddenly we were living in a reality no parent prepares for.
Right after birth, Samuel was diagnosed under the VATER spectrum. He had an anorectal malformation that required immediate intervention. Doctors then found a tethered spinal cord. He struggled to breathe because of tracheomalacia and chronic lung disease.
On top of that, he was diagnosed with chronic kidney disease stage 2 before he was even old enough to lift his own head. Every day brought new specialists, new tests, new fears. The hardest battles came from his urinary system. He was born with a neurogenic bladder and an ectopic ureter, which caused constant reflux back into his kidneys. That reflux created scarring — permanent damage — before he even had a chance to grow. He’s undergone multiple surgeries and procedures to protect what kidney function he still has, and we know this will be a lifelong fight for him.
Because of his kidney disease, Samuel developed hypertension at an age when most toddlers are learning shapes and colors — not having their blood pressure checked. During a routine echo to monitor the strain on his heart, doctors found a patent foramen ovale (PFO). It was another moment where we barely had time to process one diagnosis before the next arrived.
As if all of that wasn’t enough, genetic testing later revealed a duplication on chromosome 16p11.2, adding another layer to his medical picture and long-term monitoring. Samuel’s care team is huge — cardiology, nephrology, pulmonology, genetics, urology — all working together just to keep his little body stable.
He has monthly follow-ups, frequent imaging, ongoing treatments, and more hospital time than any child should ever recognize. He knows the sound of hospital monitors better than most preschool songs. But even with all of this, Samuel remains incredibly strong. He is sweet, brave, and resilient in ways that make us proud and break our hearts at the same time. As parents, we’ve had to learn to navigate fear, medical language, and constant “what-ifs.” We celebrate small victories because for Samuel, nothing about his health has ever been small. This is his journey — complicated, emotional, unpredictable — but filled with hope. And every day, we fight alongside him, matching his strength with our own, doing whatever it takes to give him the childhood he deserves.
Heart of a Dinosaur is blessed to be able to have met Sammy and his family, we are honored to be able to be a part of their lives and watch his continue to grow thru all his trials.
Cohen James Matte
Cohen James Matte was born on May 12,2022. He was born 8 pounds 7 ounces and we thought he was perfectly healthy. During his 24 hours blood work he went into cardiogenic shock and was transferred to the Children’s Hospital of San Antonio where they discovered he had Hypoplastic Left Heart Syndrome (the left side of his heart never developed in the womb) he also had severe mitral hypoplasia/stenosis, aortic atresia and a small ventricular shunt defect, kidney failure and suffered pulmonary over circulation.
Cohen has had many surgeries and hospitalizations to treat his HLHS. His first open heart surgery (Norwood) was at 7 days old. His second open heart surgery (Glenn) was done at just 5 months old. And his third open heart surgery (Fontan) will be done in the coming weeks. He has had numerous hospital stays including his 47 day NICU stay, 2 open heart surgery stays, 6 cardiac catheterizations, sick stays, and balloon angioplasty of his aorta.
Cohens favorite saying is “I’m strong” while showing us his muscles. He has changes so many lives in his short time and he will continue to move mountains no matter the obstacles he faces.
Paisley Lynn Korzekwa
Hi, my name is Paisley Lynn Korzekwa. I was born on March 26, 2025, at 12:50 p.m., weighing 7 pounds 9 ounces and measuring 20 inches long. From the very beginning, I came into this world with strength and a fighting spirit, because I was born with a special heart condition called Hypoplastic Left Heart Syndrome (HLHS). That means the left side of my heart didn’t develop the way it should, so I’ve had to be incredibly brave — even as a tiny baby.
When I was just five days old, on March 31, I had my first open-heart surgery — the Norwood. It was a big moment in my life, and my family says I handled it like a warrior. The doctors and nurses took great care of me, and I began my journey of healing and growing.
In May, I had to go to the Cath Lab twice — on May 12 and May 30 — for a balloon angioplasty. These procedures helped open up some of the blood vessels in my heart and lungs, making it easier for me to breathe and grow.
Then, on June 10, I had my second open-heart surgery, called the Glenn. This surgery helped re-route the blood flow in my heart so I could get stronger and healthier. After that, I slowly started to my recovery process in the hospital and in the arms of my family, where I belong.
My story isn’t over yet. When I’m between 3 and 6 years old, I’ll need one more open-heart surgery — the Fontan. It’s the final planned step in my surgical journey. I know it won’t be easy, but I’ve already shown the world how tough and full of love I am.
Every scar on my chest is a part of my story — a story of courage, hope, and strength. I may have been born with a little heart, but it’s filled with big love, endless bravery, and a future full of promise.
This is just the beginning of my story.
And I’m so glad you're a part of it.
Love,
Paisley Lynn
Being able to meet Paisley’s family was so special to our hearts. Thank you for letting us be part of her journey.
We want to thank each and every person that has put forward their belief in our mission. None of this would be possible if it wasn’t for you. — Thank you.
Julian Ray Garza
Meet the brave Julian Ray Garza who was diagnosed with Congenital Heart Disease and a diaphragmatic hernia at his 20 week ultrasound while he was still in his mommy’s tummy. While each visit it was becoming more clear to the doctors that Julian’s chances of life after birth were very slim.
Despite everyone telling us “no”, God said “yes.” Our faith remained strong and Julian was born September 26, 2024, weighing exactly 7 pounds and born at 11:11 PM. Julian spent the next four months in the hospital where he had a stent placed as a minor fix for his heart and within a couple months he had a very risky surgery to revise his diaphragmatic hernia and against all odds, the surgery was successful.
Despite the success Julian’s cardiac surgeon told us there was nothing else they could do to help without causing more harm than good. The medical teams decision was to not operate any further.
At that time we came to an agreement that it was time for Julian to be released home to heal and experience the world outside of the hospital and live life to the fullest while he still could. Julian fully healed and became a frequent visitor of the San Antonio Zoo, Seaworld, the Aquarium, the park and any other fun places as long as Mom was by his side. He got to meet so many loving family members and friends and by the time we knew it, Julian was turning 1 year old. Through all the beautiful memories we were making our hearts full, but our minds couldn’t help but wonder if there was something more to be done for Julian. We were no longer satisfied with there being “no other option” for our strong, brave, happy baby boy.
Our familiy began the search for a second opinion and with the help of family and friends help was found at Dell Children’s Hospital in Austin Texas.
During the initial meeting with the doctors, the surgeon was certain he could operate with very low risk. Our faith grew stronger and our hope was restored, knowing that there was an opportunity that wasn’t there before. The surgeon informed us that surgery needed to take place within a couple months before there was permanent damage to Julian‘s heart and lungs and only a few weeks later we had a surgery date scheduled!
It is now December 2025, Julian has had the first of several open heart surgeries and is working hard to recover with family by his side along with many prayers from all around, supporting him through this journey.
The Heart of a Dinosaur foundation found him at the most perfect time, everything just aligned effortlessly no doubt with the help of a few angels and the Lord knows that Julian, his mommy and his family are so honored to be a part of the Heart of a Dinosaur family.
Heart of a Dinosaur is honored to be a part of this brave little man’s walk through life, and continue to see him live life to the fullest.
Julian "The Champ"
Julian “The Champ” was born on July 7th, 2025, weighing 4 lbs 6 ounces.
“The Champ” was diagnosed with 4p minus syndrome, also known as Wolf-Hirschhorn syndrome, which has caused a cardiac defect known as Pulmonary Valve Stenosis. Julian’s heart and his lung on the same side of his body are very small. He was also born with a cleft lip, which affects his facial features.
Julian recently underwent a cardiac procedure in which doctors inserted a balloon through a vein that had been compensating for the missing valve in his heart. The procedure was meant to expand the vein to improve blood flow throughout his body.
Unfortunately, the first procedure did not work. A second procedure was completed using a larger balloon, and so far, it has been successful. Julian will need continued procedures as he grows.
“The Champ” is getting stronger every day and continuing to grow. His family is currently waiting for the moment they can finally bring him home. ❤️
Heart of a Dinosaur is blessed to be able to watch Julian’s story, and be a part of his fight as we see him continue to make a mark in the world.
Journey's Journey
Journey is the 4-year-old daughter of Tyler Deville and Ashley Green. She has three brothers and two sisters. While pregnant with Journey, it was discovered that she had “half a heart,” but it wasn’t the typical case. She was diagnosed with ASD, VSD, hypoplastic right ventricle (ventricular inversion), left transposition of the great arteries, and tricuspid atresia.
Journey was born in New Orleans and was flown to Children’s Hospital immediately after birth, where she spent the next 21 days. At 7 days old, she had her first heart cath, and at 8 days old, she underwent her first open-heart surgery to place her PA band. At 9 months old, Journey had another heart cath, followed the next day by her second open-heart surgery. This time, she had the Glenn Shunt procedure with a DKS (which required donor tissue to hold in place), resulting in a 15-day hospital stay.
Fast forward to today: Journey is now 4 years old and has just undergone her third open-heart surgery for the Fontan procedure. During the heart cath performed the day prior, she also had metal coils implanted. Journey is now 4 weeks post-op! While we are still unsure of any future surgeries, there’s a possibility she may need another procedure to replace a valve.
Journey is the happiest, funniest, smartest, and kindest little girl we know. Heart of a Dinosaur is honored to play even a small part in Journey’s journey as a heart warrior. Speaking with her family was such a blessing, and we can’t wait to watch her grow.
Khaleesi Keeps Fighting
Khaleesi who was born with Hypoplastic Left Heart Syndrome (HLHS) and an Atrial Septal Defect (ASD) — two serious heart conditions that have had her fighting since her very first breath. Her name means queen of dragons, and she has lived up to it every step of the way.
She has undergone major interventions and currently relies on ECMO support with Berlin cannulas to help her heart and lungs heal. After weeks of waiting and praying, three of her chest drainage tubes were finally removed, which was a huge milestone for her and for us as parents.
On top of her heart battle, she has also faced a bacterial E. coli infection, a fungal infection, and has tested positive again for rhinovirus. Even through the pain, procedures, and exhaustion, Khaleesi still finds a way to smile, reminding us that God is with her and working through her.
We pray daily for the next big milestone, for her to be extubated so we can hear her sweet voice again. We miss her sounds more than words can express, but we continue trusting in God’s timing, not ours.
Relocating with all of our children to stay by her side has been incredibly difficult, but the love, prayers, and support we’ve received has helped carry us through. We are endlessly grateful.
Khaleesi is our warrior, our miracle, and we believe with all our hearts that God is not done with her story.
Heart of a Dinosaur is honored to have Khaleesi as part of our family of heart warriors, and we are wanting to continue to give all the love and support in her journey as she continues to recover.
Every Heartbeat Matters
Whether you’re applying for support or giving it, this space is a reminder that no one walks this path alone. We’re here to stand beside every heart, every beat, every step of the way.
