12-Year-Old Boy In Need Of New Heart

Harley Duffer, a 12-year-old seventh grader at Wills Point Jr. High was recently diagnosed with Dilated Cardiomyopathy. Doctors at Children’s Hospital in Dallas have determined that he is in need of a heart transplant.

Harley played football for the seventh grade team this fall, but contracted a virus with flu-like symptoms during the season. He appeared to return to health, but as he was participating in tennis, began to complain of pain and hold his chest.

A chest X-Ray the week after Thanksgiving revealed an enlarged heart, and subsequent blood work revealed he was in danger of cardiac arrest.

The exact cause of Harley’s condition is unknown, but is possibly related to the virus he had in September. He will be a priority candidate for a transplant.

Fund-raisers to help Harley in his fight are being planned at the high school and junior high. An account has also been set up at Citizens National Bank, and anyone wishing to contribute can send them to Citizens National Bank, Harley Duffer Benefit Account, P.O. Box 120, Wills Point, TX.

Harley is the son of Taylor and Sonya Duffer. Sonya is the school secretary at Wills Point High School, and he has a younger sister, Carson, a fifth grader in Wills Point.