Neighbors Rally For Downers Grove Girl Who Needs Heart Transplant

DOWNERS GROVE, IL — Sofia Sanchez is a cheerleader, a bright-eyed sparkler with a smile that seems to be powered by the sunshine. She's 10 years old — the age of eating candy for dinner, doodling hearts on notebooks and cheering at pep rallies. But Sofia, who is battling cardiomyopathy, is facing a battle that's far greater than the hometown football game, and Downers Grove is cheering her on from the sidelines.

The spunky fifth-grader's condition often leads to heart failure and will ultimately require a heart transplant as her heart is unable to repair itself. Her liver function is already beginning to fail, according to a GoFundMe started in her honor.

Cardiomyopathy is so rare in children that it affects only 12 in every one million children annually, according to the Children's Cardiomyopathy Foundation. The diagnosis brings a lifetime of hospitalization, surgery, and medical bills.

The emotional weight is immeasurable.

In addition to the GoFundMe for Sofia Sanchez, neighbors, parents, teachers, and community members have launched other fundraising efforts to help Sofia and her parents.

Neighbors have visited the Sanchez family weekly with care packages. Neighborhood moms have organized drives for gift cards and other items.

On July 7, a lemonade stand will be set up on the corner of Carpenter Street and Adelia from 10 to 1 to help raise money for Sofia's cause.

On Sofia's GoFundMe page, a neighbor writes that the community "is here to lift each other up and help however [it] can."

In her battle, Sofia, a pro at balancing and lifting team members in cheerleading pyramids, is buoyed by a strong foundation of support.

As one person wrote on the fundraising page, "Sofia, stay strong! We are all cheering you on!"

Image via GoFundMe; Patch is a GoFundMe partner