Nakia Needs a New Heart

Fundraiser Event for Nakia Hentz: A Brave Young Heart Patient

Nakia Hentz celebrated 2010 a healthy happy 17 year old.  A junior at Franklin High School, she was anxiously anticipating being involved in Franklin’s play “Oklahoma!”.   Nakia’s health went into a downward spiral when a common cold turned into a serious case of pneumonia and on March 8 2010 doctors told Nakia she needed a new heart to live.

Portland, Oregon May 17, 2010—On May 28, a fundraiser Dinner & Movie night will be held to raise money for a Portland teen diagnosed with a rare heart condition.

Deanna Hess, a friend of the Hentz family has decided to take action by creating a fundraising event called “Dinner and Movie Night” to benefit Nakia.

Nakia was diagnosed on March 8^thwith cardiomyopathy, a condition that affects only 1 in 100,000 kids under 18.  Her doctors believe this is likely a result of a viral infection that has affected her heart’s ability to pump.  She spent time in the hospital undergoing medication therapy for 16 days.  When it was clear that Nakia was unfortunately not responding to the medication, she was fitted with a defibrillator vest that would detect any irregular heart beat and deliver a shock to restart her heart if necessary.

On April 8^th,Nakia had surgery to implant an LVAD, a device that will artificially regulate the pumping of her heart.  On April 22^nd she underwent more surgery to install the defibrillator and pacemaker. This is a temporary fix as the need for a heart transplant has become more urgent.

Nakia’s new heart will cost $800,000. 

The fundraiser Dinner & Movie night at Franklin High School’s auditorium is set for Friday May 28th.  Doors will open at 4:30 and there will be concessions for dinner and snacks.  Two major films will be shown.  The first movie will start promptly at 6:00 PM and the second feature will run directly after.  We cannot disclose the names of the movies outside the school grounds due to copyright laws but we can say that we will be encouraging everyone to wear their “Team Edward” and “Team Jacob” attire!

Thankfully, Nakia’s family does have health insurance, but only a small amount of the necessary procedures and costs are covered.  Her parents have been by her side since she was hospitalized, missing work and causing a further drain on their financial situation

“The moment I heard about Nakia’s condition I knew I had to do everything possible to make sure she gets what she needs to live a full long life, says family friend Deanna Hess. “ I’ve known that baby girl since she was about 18 months old and she’d be first in line to do something like this to raise funds if it were one of my sons in her place.  She has so much to live for and to accomplish yet, and I intend to do everything possible to make sure she gets that chance.”

Please help.  You can contribute several ways:

Web site: http://www.helpnakiahentz.webs.com/ There is a button on the right hand side to donate any amount of money.  Nothing is too small!  Everything helps and every penny goes to Nakia’s medical expenses.

The donation is tax deductible. Here’s the address:

Nakia Heart Fund
5025 SE Henry
Portland OR 97206

EIN number is 80-0580699

Be sure to visit Facebook to join the group Dinner and Movie Night: Fundraiser for Nakia Hentz.

Come to the Dinner & Movie night Friday May 28^th at Franklin High School Auditorium. Tickets for this event are being offered for a $5 donation.  Dinner items will be available for an additional cost.

You can read more about Nakia here.