It’s hard to enter a room and not immediately smile when you meet Fred Tusiga. He is a optimistic, kind-hearted, bright, and goofy fifteen-year-old who seems to bring joy to everyone around him.
Born and raised in American Samoa, Fred manages to maintain his sparkle in light of some devastating life events. In 2015, Fred was diagnosed with a brain tumor and underwent surgery in Hawaii. A few years later in 2022, he was diagnosed with heart failure and rushed to UCSF Benioff Children’s Hospital for care and a life-saving transplant. Come April 2023, his entire life would change, when Fred received his transplant and began his road to recovery. His mother, Masina, and family members were filled with tears as a new chapter of life began.
As Fred continues his journey of recovery and healing, unexpected barriers and challenges continue to arise. Fred and his family live in American Samoa and are doing their best to afford and sustain medical care in San Francisco. However, transportation, lodging, and other health-related costs add up quickly and have created new difficulties – in the midst of navigating life-after transplant.
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Family and friends of Fred Tusiga are raising money for the nonprofit Help Hope Live to fund uninsured medical expenses associated with transplantation.
Fred has chosen to fundraise for Help Hope Live in part because Help Hope Live assures fiscal accountability of funds raised and tax deductibility for contributors. Contributors can be sure donations will be used to pay or reimburse medical and related expenses. To make a tax-deductible donation to this fundraising campaign, click on the Give button.
For more information, please contact Help Hope Live at 800.642.8399.
Thank you for your support!
