Mom speaks out against 'insensitive' comments about those vulnerable during coronavirus crisis

Heather Shreves can't understand why people who say they love her children are still having group gatherings and letting people visit.

Because one of her sons, Chance, is at especially high risk of getting sick. And with hospitals becoming more overwhelmed by patients with the novel coronavirus, there's the risk that even if no one in her family contracts it, they could miss out on the medical care her 12-year-old son needs.

Chance, Shreves told "Good Morning America" has Heterotaxy syndrome. It's defined as "rare birth defect that involves the heart and other organs" according to the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia. His mom said it "can cause any internal organs to be missing, malformed, multiplied or misplaced."

Chance has survived three open heart surgeries, stomach surgeries, and a stroke. He has half a heart and was born without a spleen.

"As a single mom with two kids, we are at the complete mercy of the outside world when it comes to the point we need supplies," Shreves said. "All three of us have been instructed not to leave the house [except for bike rides that practice social distancing] for 12 weeks except emergency care."

Any fever over 100.4 classifies as an emergency for Chance and requires a trip to the emergency room.

"That is the most terrifying thought to bring my kid into that war zone," she told "GMA." To have doctors and nurses working on him that might be infected themselves."

The Redding, California, mom said it's the insensitive comments that really get to her. "Things like, 'maybe it's better to let nature wean out the week,'" is one Shreves has heard. "I never knew so many people could care less if children die, the elderly or anyone vulnerable. It's breaking mother's and father's hearts around America."

But there have been good moments: so many have reached out to thank her for speaking out. Chance's teachers have been checking in. His Make-A-Wish volunteers have too.

"We have the power to save our communities by staying home and spending time with our families," Shreves said, "That's literally how our government has asked us to go to war to protect every citizen."