By RHEA-FRANCES TETLEY
Staff Writer
Noah Bard is well-known in the Crestline community as Mr. Hospitality. Last year as a 16-year-old he rode in the 2023 Jamboree Days Parade, and he is often been seen throughout town in stores meeting people and waving at traffic from in front of the Alpine Mall. Noah loves to greet people with “Hi, I’m Noah, what’s your name?” He is so big-hearted he spreads joy with those he interacts with throughout the community, and they leave with a smile.
A community fundraiser for Noah was scheduled for September 8 on the north shore patio at Lake Gregory but had to be cancelled due to the beginning of the Line Fire and the smoky air. The fundraiser has now has been rescheduled for October 6 from 4 to 7 p.m. in the Fireside Room at the San Moritz Lodge on the eastern shore of Lake Gregory. There will be raffles, music, food, and more at this free event. Every interested person or anyone who has ever met Noah is invited to attend.
Noah Bard was born with a condition called Williams Syndrome, which is a multi-system genetic and developmental disorder, which includes serious cardiovascular issues. He is currently 17 years of age and he graduated from high school last June, but Noah now desperately needs a heart transplant. Without the operation Noah will not survive.
Noah’s doctors at UCLA want to perform his heart transplant soon, while he is still under pediatric health care, and when he is more assured of coverage and will have the same doctors he’s been under the care of for so long. Noah has been undergoing pre-operation testing and tissue matching as he awaits a donor.
Fortunately, Noah’s parents, Andrew and Jennifer Bard, do have good health insurance for the operation. What the community can do to assist Noah is to raise some funds to help the family with the added living, transportation and food expenses that go along with numerous medical appointments off the mountain. The cost of gasoline, wear and tear on vehicles, meals on the road, time off of work, and occasional overnight stays all add up, and are unfortunately not covered by their insurance.
Inspired to raise the funds to help the family, community member Vicky Vargas has coordinated this fundraiser for Noah. She said, “Let’s come together to support Crestline’s own Mr. Hospitality Noah Bard, who is in urgent need of a heart transplant. Please bring your friends and family, and grab yourself some “Noah Joy” and help us make a positive impact.”
Foxhound Video Production Studio in Crestline produced a wonderful short video on Noah while he was around in town before the fire, including filming a visit to Goodwin’s Market where he interacted with many local residents as the cameras rolled. This inspiring video will be shown during the fundraiser.
The family’s financial need will be more severe after the operation successfully takes place. The timing of the transplant is dependent upon securing a proper medical match for Noah.
Once Noah has received the transplanted heart, he and his mother will need to live within close driving distance to UCLA in Los Angeles for at least three months. This proximity requirement will add to an increase in necessary family expenses related to the transplant operation, which is one of the reasons for the fundraiser.
It is hoped this fundraiser for Noah will be able to raise enough funds to help the family financially survive this life-changing episode in Noah’s young life. It is anticipated this transplant will enable Noah to lead a long and healthy life, so he will again be able to welcome everyone in town with a smile and his vibrant enthusiasm for life. Everyone is invited to attend this free fundraiser.
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