Supporting the Smith Family
Goal:
USD $250,000
Raised:
USD $27,466
Campaign funds will be received by Heidi Smith
Supporting the Smith Family
The Smith family in Northeast Ohio is in need of your help. Their oldest child, Natalie, is critically ill and hospitalized. Natalie is an intelligent, kind, and athletic young lady who is a classmate of my oldest daughter since the girls were in kindergarten. Natalie was healthy and preparing to enter college next Fall to study engineering when she took ill on March 4th, 2025. Two days later she was placed on ECMO support and fighting for her life. 10 days later, she remains in the ICU requiring ECMO, mechanical ventilation, and kidney support.
Please help us raise funds for the family to help with medical expenses and beyond. We would also appreciate your prayers for healing and recovery for Natalie and strength for her parents, younger brother, and family.
Recent Donations
Thank you for sharing your beautiful daughter and sister with us. The celebration of Natalie's life was truly uplifting, as was she.
sending support to the Smith family
Natalie's light will never fade. She is deeply missed and we are so sorry for your loss.
Keeping the Smiths close to our hearts and sending them love and comfort.
Our son goes to US. Sending our prayers to your family.
Keeping this family in our prayers.
With love, your HB classmate
Keeping your family in prayers during this extremely difficult time
Keeping you and Natalie in my thoughts and heart ❤️
Updates
Update #4
May 15th, 2025
We are continuing our fundraising efforts for the Smith family to help with expenses. The private event at Beachwood Orange Theory Fitness will still take place.
Where: 2101 Richmond Rd, Beachwood, OH 44122
When: June 8th, 2025
Time: 12:30 PM
Register: Orange Theory - Beachwood, or call (216) 307-2777
Please help me share this news, continue to pray for the Smith family, and give what you are able. God bless.
Update #3
May 6th, 2025
Since my last update, Natalie was a bit depressed last week seeing and hearing about senior year fun activities that she had to miss. Her mom substituted during a few and Natalie got to watch over Zoom. Her classmates got to speak with her over Zoom and some visited her in the hospital.
Unfortunately, I learned this morning the devastating news that Natalie succumbed to her horrible illness last evening. As you can imagine, it is a difficult time for the family and everyone who knew Natalie.
Thank you all for the generosity of your words, prayers, and donations to the Smith family. I'm sure the family still needs your support for expenses, so I will keep the campaign going until they've had time to grieve and process their numerous tasks and responsibilities. God bless.
Update and Fundraising Event at Orange Theory
April 16th, 2025
Natalie still has a long road to recovery, but she continues to have a fighting spirit. Since the update a few weeks ago, she had an event causing bleeding in her lungs. She remains on ECMO and the ventilator for support of her breathing.
However, the hospital has been trying interventions to save Natalie's lungs. Some of those interventions involve physical and occupational therapy. She is now able to speak with a special valve on her trach, and look at her sitting up in bed!
A school parent has arranged a private class at Orange Theory in Beachwood to raise funds for the Smith family. It will be on June 8th 12:30 PM. I will post a sign-up link for that soon.
Please help me share this news, continue to pray for Natalie and the Smith family, and give what you are able. God bless.
Week 1 Update
March 20th, 2025
Since the beginning of this campaign, Natalie has had made steady improvement. Her heart function has fully recovered! She remains in the ICU, but remains on ECMO and the ventilator for lung support, and kidney filtration support. She is opening her eyes and responds to questions with nods and head shakes. From her mother: "This girl is putting up a hell of a fight... Slow and steady wins the race."
She still needs your support and prayers. Please continue to share.
Prayer Requests
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