Steps-Together

06/15/2026

Alexander is still resting and healing at The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia.

Earlier in the week there was concern because his heart rate was high. The Cardiac Electronic team came to check on the pace maker. It appeared that Alexander had a heart arythmia. Medications have been adjusted and his heart rate is back in range.

Alexander's teams of doctors have had meetings to decided the next steps for his medical care.

The Nuero teams feel that the blood thinner medications were a major contributor to his brain bleeds and do not want him on them anymore.

The Cardiac teams say that he needs the blood thinner meds to ensure that blood continues to flow smoothly through his mechanical valve without clotting.

A decision has been made to replace the mechanical valve with a tissue valve so Alexander doesn't have to go back on the blood thinners, but also his heart continues to function properly.

Before Alexander can go back to the OR for his 6th open heart surgery to replace the valve, he needs to fully recover from the brain surgery he had two weeks ago. The doctors would like to wait 3 to 4 weeks.

Since he isn't on the blood thinner medication, his heart needs to be closely monitored with ECHOs every 3 days. Alexander will remain in the hospital until after he heals from the valve replacement surgery.

Alexander would like to thank everyone for their continued support, prayers and kind words.

06/10/2026

Adelyne Kotarsky began chemotherapy on her second birthday after a stage-three tumor was diagnosed in mid-February.

06/08/2026

Amazing!

Raising over $56,000 over the years for Steps Together. Thank you, Mike and Antonella Marchetti, for your amazing efforts to make a difference in the lives of those in our community.

06/01/2026

06/01/2026

Ready for dinner and the Awards Reception sponsored by Campus Share

06/01/2026

06/01/2026

Swing by and send Alexander some positive vibes and prayers on his page.

It has been quite a few months for Alexander.

In February, Alexander was accidentally hit with a basketball that resulted in a concussion and two overnight stays at CHOP for observation.

At the end of April, Alexander became disoriented after school. He was rushed to RWJNB where a CT scan confirmed that not only had his original bleed restarted, but a second brain bleed had formed on the other side. Alexander was transferred to CHOP by helicopter where he spent 10 days while the doctors ran tests, switched and changed medications.

During the first week of May, Alexander spent another overnight at St. Peter's for observation due to a couple days of severe headaches.

Thursday Alexander once again was having bad headaches and was taken to St. Peter's. CT scan confirmed that his one bleed had once again restarted. Alexander was again transferred to CHOP via helicopter for treatment.

After multiple CT scans and a MRI, Alexander's doctors (Cardiology, Nuerology, Neurosurgery, Thrombosis and the Pace Maker teams) have read all the scans and have come up with a plan.

On Monday, June 1st Alexander will be taken to the operating room where the Nuerosurgery team will open his skull in order to remove the excess blood that has pooled as well as any damaged tissue.

Please send Alexander positive thoughts and keep him in your prayers as he undergoes this very delicate proceedure.

05/30/2026

Join me in supporting the Fairways for Airways Golf Tournament with a donation.