Family and friends of Maria Todaro are raising money through the nonprofit Help Hope Live to help cover expenses related to her multi-organ transplant and other out of pocket medical expenses associated with her catastrophic illness.
Maria has chosen to fundraise through 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.
Maria’s Medical Journey
Maria is a 35 year old former recreation therapist and retired EMT with a passion for working with kids. On February 26, 2023, she was admitted to the hospital with metabolic acidosis and dehydration after a sudden inability to digest food. After multiple tests and procedures, Maria was diagnosed with Gastroparesis a condition that prevents the stomach from properly emptying into the small intestine. Her Gastroparesis is caused by her rare genetic condition, Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome. She has also been diagnosed with Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome, Mast Cell Activation Syndrome, Bilateral Sensorineural Hearing Loss, and a very long list of other medical conditions.
Maria became 100% feeding tube dependent after receiving her GJ feeding tube in March 2023. In December 2023, a PICC line was placed which is a type of central line IV so that she can receive daily IV fluids. In June 2024, Maria developed an infection in her colon that caused her to no longer be able to tolerate tube feeds. Maria was placed on TPN aka Total Parenteral Nutrition which is IV nutrition. In July 2024, Maria spent 2 weeks in the hospital battling sepsis after her central line became infected.
After spending most of 2023 and 2024 in and out of the hospital, the symptoms of Maria’s genetic condition have progressed significantly. The extended hospital stays caused progression of her muscle fatigue and weakness and she now needs help to do basic tasks such as showering and household chores. Maria began using a walker in early 2023 and received a power wheelchair in December 2023 which allowing her to continue doing some of the things she loves. Maria had to drop to part time at work in December 2023 due to her disabilities which caused her to lose her health insurance. After battling sepsis in July 2024, Maria was unable to return to work due to her deteriorating condition. This was the beginning of a rapid decline in her health.
In January 2025, Maria survived sepsis not once but twice! In April 2025, Maria received AFO braces in order to correct her severe drop foot. Maria received a custom manual wheelchair in May 2025 and is now a full time wheelchair user who is no longer able to walk. In June 2025, Maria survived sepsis twice (again) for a total of 5 rounds of sepsis in a 12 month period. In July 2025, Maria was diagnosed with Parenteral Nutrition Associated Liver Disease which is a type of liver disease caused by her life sustaining treatment, TPN. In Maria’s case, her liver disease is progressive and irreversible and she will eventually need a multi-organ transplant. Maria is on palliative care in order to focus on her quality of life as someone with life threatening medical conditions.
Maria loves the outdoors and exploring nature. She enjoys spending time with her blended family watching football or binging TV shows. She’s a huge Disney fan and secretly wishes she was a Disney Princess. She loves playing board games and card games with her family and is fiercely competitive. Maria also enjoys painting, puzzles, and gardening. Maria is a kind and compassionate person who is always helping others. She has spent the last 7 years being a fierce advocate for her disabled child.
Please donate to Help Hope Live in Maria’s honor and ask your friends and family to give, too! All funds donated will be used to pay for her medical expenses directly. Please share this fundraiser wherever you can to help her cause.
For more information, please contact Help Hope Live at 800.642.8399.
Thank you for your support!
