Keeping a Family Together During Trying Times

By Anne Paglia | Photo courtesy of Lauren Bonaventure

Colbi Bonaventure made her first trip to Ochsner Health in an air ambulance two years ago. After mistakenly being treated for epilepsy, she experienced drug-induced liver failure, requiring an urgent liver transplant. Colbi was only six.

Since then, Colbi has been treated at Ochsner for POLG, a rare mitochondrial disorder that causes seizures and neurological degeneration. For Lauren and Chase Bonaventure, Colbi’s parents, Ochsner’s Pediatric Family Assistance Fund, which is supported solely by donors, has been instrumental in helping their family to stay together during Colbi’s treatment and overcoming the hurdle of living two hours away. Your support allowed their family to stay at the Brent House Hotel during Colbi’s 60-day hospitalization and for a five-week period after discharge. “Because of Colbi’s condition and the need for a liver transplant, I lost my job, and my husband had to go on disability to be with her,” Lauren said. “It truly is a godsend program when your life is turned upside down overnight.”

Lauren says Colbi is thriving, despite 20 surgeries in the past two years and ongoing surgery for transplant-related biliary issues. Colbi is not only attending school but also playing with her friends and finding joy in riding her bike. “She is a true warrior, exudes happiness and is the definition of resilience,” Lauren said. Through it all, Ochsner’s team has made Colbi feel “comfortable and cared for,” she added. “We cannot thank Ochsner enough for saving our girl’s life, and giving her every opportunity to continue to thrive. We are eternally grateful. Thank you will never be enough.”

— Lauren Bonaventure