Some St. Cloud police officers helped make sure a 6-year-old in need of a heart transplant had a memorable birthday party.
At birth, Angelise Maldonado was diagnosed with hypolplastic left heart syndrome, a severe congenital heart defect in which the left side of the heart is underdeveloped.
This year, Angelise was diagnosed with plastic bronchitis, a debilitating disease that can be life-threatening.
She has undergone four open heart surgeries .
Her family decided to celebrate her birthday early because her condition has worsened.
Angelise loves police officers and participated in the department’s Shop with a Cop event, during which an officer found out her family was going to give her an early birthday party.
Police helped put on a princess-themed party for Angelise.
“This is a very special day. This is a very special family and we wanted to do our part to give back,” said Sgt. Denise Roberts of the St. Cloud Police Department.
A fundraising campaign was set up with HelpHopeLive, a trusted nonprofit organization.
Proceeds will help Angelise’s family pay for medical expenses and possible travel expenses if they eventually get a call to advise if a heart donor has been found.
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