A Waikiki family is in a desperate race against time to raise $3 million for their two-year-old daughter's chance at survival overseas after Australian doctors said no treatment options remain.
A Devastating Diagnosis
Two-year-old Aurelia Patel has been diagnosed with severe pulmonary hypertension, a rare and life-threatening form of high blood pressure that critically affects both her heart and lungs. Despite trying multiple medications, her condition has continued to deteriorate.
Aurelia's aunt, Therese Butcher, revealed the terrifying reality of the toddler's daily struggle. "She has multiple episodes a day where she stops breathing and becomes unconscious for two to two and a half minutes," Ms Butcher told 7NEWS.
Australian Doors Close
The family received the devastating news that no further treatment options exist within Australia, with medical professionals referring Aurelia for end-of-life palliative care. Her father, Peter Crofts, refuses to accept this outcome.
"I'm just a dad trying to save my little girl," Mr Crofts said emotionally. "The only thing left is to go for a transplant, which doesn't seem to be an option in Australia."
He explained the heartbreaking reasons behind this medical deadlock: organ availability and hospital policy that prevents surgery on children under four years old or weighing less than 15 kilograms.
Overseas Hope and Financial Hurdle
While two American hospitals, including the prestigious Stanford Hospital, have agreed to consider Aurelia's case, the financial barrier is immense. The family needs to raise approximately $3 million to cover medical costs and associated expenses.
A GoFundMe campaign launched in late October has already seen an incredible outpouring of support, raising more than $78,000 in donations. However, this represents just a fraction of the total required.
"Money should never be a barrier to receiving lifesaving care," Ms Butcher stated. "When we started looking into overseas options, it became very apparent we would somehow need to raise millions of dollars."
In an update on the fundraising page, Ms Butcher expressed the family's profound gratitude for the community support that has sustained them during their darkest hours.
"Every single dollar and every new supporter brings us one step closer to giving Aurelia a chance at the lifesaving double heart and lung transplant she desperately needs overseas," she wrote.
Mr Crofts has made a solemn promise to his daughter. "I will fight for her with everything I have. If there is even one more door we can knock on, I will find it. I just need to help her do it."
