The family of a 6-year-old boy who underwent two heart transplants in the United States last year is in a financial crisis after amassing more than 200 million yen in hospital bills.

Masahiko Shinagawa, of Matsudo, Chiba Prefecture, was stricken at the age of 2 with a heart ailment that causes the heart's muscles to harden. He experienced a heart attack in late 1995. His family was told his only hope for survival was in a heart transplant.

Colleagues of the boy's father, Tadahiko Shinagawa, and others launched support and fundraising groups. With the aid of these groups, the family traveled to the U.S. in September, and Masahiko underwent a heart transplant Nov. 6 at the UCLA Medical Center in Los Angeles.

However, the boy's new heart did not function properly, and he underwent another transplant Dec. 3 after having been kept alive by an external circulatory organ. The boy was released from the hospital in March after months in intensive care and 12 further operations.

The family received bills totaling more than 200 million yen for medications and the use of hospital facilities. About 100 million yen had been raised by the family's supporters, but even if reduced costs are negotiated, they will be unable to pay the bills.

Tomoaki Noguchi, 44, leader of the supporters' group, is seeking donations from the public to assist the payment. To make a donation or for more information, call Noguchi at (03) 3772-9285.