NJ-2026-0106: Clifton toddler with a new heart is home for her first Christmas off the machines

FAMILY BACKGROUND:
A young mother and father in Clifton are raising their 2-year-old daughter, a heart transplant recipient. Her journey has been long and hard — hospital stays, procedures, and machines that once supported her. This year, for the first time, she is home, off the machines, and stable with her new heart, and her latest reports show no rejection. She still needs ongoing follow-up care, medications, and careful monitoring. Her mother works full-time and is her caregiver, and between bills, appointments, and the everyday needs of a growing child, there is very little left over for extras. This Christmas, her mother wants her to feel the joy and magic other children feel — she has spent so much of her young life in hospitals. A sponsor's help would let this family watch her smile, play, and just be a child.

CITY: Clifton, NJ 07011
STATE: New Jersey
COUNTY: PASSAIC
HOUSEHOLD SIZE: 3
HEALTH CONDITIONS IN HOUSEHOLD: Cardiac condition, including cardiac transplant; Neurological condition; Developmental or learning disability, including ADHD
HOW THE FAMILY CAN RECEIVE GIFTS: US Postal Service, FedEx, UPS, or delivered in person by their sponsor or the Operation Holiday team

HEAD OF HOUSEHOLD:
Age: 30
Sex: Female
Clothing Size: Women's XL
Shoe Size: Women's 7
Wishlist: Gift cards (Costco, BJ's, Target)

ADULT #2:
Age: 32
Sex: Male
Clothing Size: Men's XL
Shoe Size: Men's 9.5
Wishlist: Gift card

CHILD #1:
Age: 2
Sex: Female
Clothing Size: Toddler 3T
Shoe Size: Not listed on her application
Wishlist: Ms. Rachel toys, educational sensory toys, 24-month bodysuit onesies (helpful for her G-tube), Disney items