Meet Lorenzo Nechtman, a brave and determined teenage boy who is fighting against adversity with unwavering strength. After nine days at Phoenix Children’s Hospital in December 2024, Lorenzo was diagnosed with Systemic Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis (SJIA). It took his family a while to manage his symptoms with medications, but once they finally did, Lorenzo was joint pain, fever, and rash free for about a year and a half. In the past few months, however, Lorenzo’s symptoms returned. Ongoing medical treatment did not help and on June 20, 2024, Lorenzo was admitted into the ICU at Phoenix Children’s Hospital (PCH). His blood pressure was extremely low so they put him on blood pressure medicine. Because of this, his blood pooled in his nose, fingers, and feet and turned them dark purple, almost black. Also, during this time, Lorenzo was intubated for 5 days because they needed to get a larger line in his neck for plasma transfusions and possibly dialysis since his kidneys were also failing. Doctors tried yet another medication for his SJIA and that started to help things move in the right direction. After 9 days in the ICU, they took his tube out and stopped his sedation and pain medication. Once he came to and most of his lines were removed, including the one in his neck, Lorenzo was moved to a different floor at PCH. There is progress being made with his nose, feet, and hands. However, doctors are not sure how much mobility he will end up with in his feet due to the pain he is having and whether or not reconstructive surgery will be needed on his nose. The plastic surgeons are watching him carefully. During his time in the ICU, things got really scary and there are many effects that the family will likely be dealing with for years to come. For now, the family is just taking things one day at a time. As members of the school community, we have been fortunate to witness the incredible spirit of his loving and dedicated mother, Antonella Nechtman, who has been a teacher at Black Mountain for many years. Mrs. Nechtman has always been the first person to lend a hand when others are in need. Now, it is our turn to step forward and lend a helping hand. Lorenzo's medical journey has brought about overwhelming hospital bills, and his fight is far from over. This LFEBridge has been set up to help ease the financial burden on this remarkable family and show them the power of a united community that comes together in times of need. Together, we can make a difference in their lives and bring hope where it is desperately needed.
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