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02/23/2018 07:31 AMOn Feb. 20, an impressive line of Branford firefighters in turnout gear put their hearts into a hero's welcome for six year-old Chaz DiLeonardo Jr. The firefighters lined the driveway of the boy's Branford home as he returned from an extended hospital stay, together with his parents, Chaz Sr. and Erica DiLeonardo.
Chaz Jr. was born with a congenital heart defect, hypoplastic left heart syndrome (HLHS), which severely underdevelops the left side of the heart. Enduring surgeries and setbacks since the day he was born, having support from family and friends and efforts like that of Branford's firefighters have helped Chaz Jr. to continue to live his life to the fullest.
As he underwent his latest hospital stay, in November, 2017 a crowdfunding page for Chaz Jr. was established with the goal of raising $30,000 to assist the family, and remains active, visit it here
At the "Champions for Chaz" GoFundMe page, page founder Jade Giacoppo described the Branford six-year old's latest health setback in November, after a procedure following a lung collapse was followed by a stroke.
"In addition to HLHS, Chaz Jr. has suffered numerous issues with his lungs. Most recently, he was transferred to Children's Hospital of Philadelphia for a procedure to treat his lymphatic flow disorder after one of his lungs collapsed. This procedure has led to one complication after another. The week of November 13th has been a trying one for Chaz Jr. and his family," wrote Giacoppo.
During that week, Chaz Jr. suffered a stroke which caused him to be paralyzed on the right side of his body. At the time, physicians were monitoring for post-stroke brain damage in addition to medical efforts to manage his heart and lung conditions, wrote Giacoppo.
Reporters Note: In addition to being a fan of firefighters, Chaz. Jr. loves all things Disney and Mickey Mouse. In 2015, Chaz Jr. had his wish granted by Make-A-Wish Foundation, which sent the DiLeonardo family, including big sister Bella, to Disneyworld in Florida. See the story here