It is with great sadness we report that Reese D’Ortenzio passed away on January 13, 2025. Family and friends have been working with Help Hope Live to raise money to help finance uninsured medical expenses associated with catastrophic illness.
In loving memory of Reese, Help Hope Live will continue to accept charitable donations to help defray uninsured costs that were incurred. Reese’s family had chosen to fundraise with Help Hope Live in part because the nonprofit organization provides both tax-deductibility to the full extent allowed by law and fiscal accountability to contributors. Donors can be sure that funds contributed will be used only to pay or reimburse medically related and funeral expenses.
To make a kind contribution to Reese’s memorial fundraising campaign, select the “Give” button on this page or call 800.642.8399.
For more information, please contact Help Hope Live at 800-642-8399.
In loving care and remembrance, thank you for your support.
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Family and friends of Reese D’Ortenzio are raising money to fund uninsured medical expenses associated with Aicardi syndrome. Donations to Help Hope Live are tax-deductible.
Reese is currently in need of a larger wheelchair accessible vehicle and several home modifications that are not covered by insurance. Widened doorways, ramps, wheelchair friendly walkways, ceiling mounted lift systems and accessible transportation are some of the larger expenses not covered by health insurance. These costs add up to hundreds of thousands of dollars in out-of-pocket expenses. Fundraising with Help Hope Live allows the community to help families like Reese’s with ongoing uncovered medical expenses and creates a fund they can draw from for the rest of Reese’s life to pay for future medical treatments and uncovered medical expenses.
Reese was born with Aicardi syndrome in 2007. Because of her health issues and physical disabilities, there are considerable expenses related to giving Reese a life that she deserves. She brings so much joy and happiness to the people around her, and we want her to have the freedom to live her life without barriers. That means she needs to be able to get in and out of her house easily and to have a vehicle that accomodates her size and her wheelchair. Reese is a lot like other teen girls–she loves Taylor Swift, Hamilton, hummingbirds, loud music, Christmas, Disneyland, and especially being with people. Reese loves her family and really loves traveling to visit her sister and brother-in-law in Montana. She enjoys baseball and basketball games, concerts, and going to church. Not only does Reese love getting out, we believe her presence encourages others to act with more love!
Reese struggles with a seizure disorder and multiple physical disabilities, yet her spirit is one that embodies love, joy and peace. To be with Reese is to experience contentment and acceptance. Her life on paper is considered “catastrophic” by definition, but the experience of her life has been like finding a beautiful gem hidden in the sand. She may have limitations, but love is not one of them!
We have chosen to fundraise with 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!
Here is an interview with mom that was done for Rare Disease Day:
https://helphopelive.org/reese-dortenzio-rare-disease/
