Connor Iwaoka is a sophomore at Appleton East High School/Tesla Engineering Charter School. He's a quiet kid who likes to read, hates to write, and loves his phone.
While on vacation in Florida in February, Connor was rushed to the hospital in Clearwater Beach. Doctors discovered a viral infection had ravaged Connor's heart. He was airlifted to Tampa and then to Miami. Doctors determined that Connor, 15, will need a heart transplant.
On March 2, Connor was airlifted back to Wisconsin. Doctors at Children's Hospital in Milwaukee installed an artificial heart in Connor's chest. He was sedated for nearly two days so the heart could safely bond with his body, but he is now sitting up and moving gently. A machine at the foot of his bed keeps the heart pumping and keeps Connor alive until a donor is found.
The road to recovery is long and uncertain. Not only has Connor's life been turned upside down but also those of his mother, sister, and other family members. In short, they need our help. Connor is just a kid. He has his whole life ahead of him. Let's come together to help him get through this chapter. Sometimes heartbreaking stories have heartwarming endings.
You can help Connor and his family by donating to his GoFundMe account:
T-shirts and bracelets will be on sale at Appleton East during April.
