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Sandy has always enjoyed pretty much any outside activity: camping, working in the yard, motorcycling (dirt and street) and fishing (catching, someone else gets to clean them!). From Eugene, OR, she attended Willamette H.S., playing softball, basketball and soccer. After graduation, she enlisted in the Army, was stationed in Germany where she met her husband, Marty, at a rodeo – they have two daughters and two grandchildren. After the Army, Sandy held several different jobs before spending 10 years at Dell, Inc. Due to her worsening condition she had to take disability and limit her activities. Anyone who knows my sister, knows how hard that has been for her. Sandy eagerly looks forward to being able to return to work and get back to living — her family is committed to seeing her through this transplant.
Organ transplants are life-saving, but financially draining. Even with insurance, Sandy will have many uninsured transplant-related expenses such as: co-pays and deductibles, travel and temporary relocation housing for herself and her caregiver to be near the transplant center and the costly immunosuppressant medications that she will need to take for the rest of her life ($2000/month).
To help with the financial burden of Sandy’s uninsured expenses, a fundraising campaign in her honor has been established with HelpHOPELive, a trusted non-profit organization that has been providing community-based fundraising guidance to patients and their families for more than 30 years. All donations are tax deductible, are held by HelpHOPELive in the South-Central Heart Transplant Fund, and administered by HelpHOPELive for transplant-related expenses only. Please consider a contribution today and click the DONATE NOW button.
Thank you for your prayers, support and generosity. Keep an eye on this campaign page because we will be planning some fundraising events, and posting updates regularly. I thank you from the bottom of my heart (which I would give to her if I could).
Shirley A. Palmer (Armstrong), Sandy’s big sister
My younger daughter Sonja had this shirt made for me for my birthday today. It says heart donor recipient and has a heart with a shadow (can just make it out if you squint) that makes it look like a heart symbol.
A week ago I turned 8 months post transplant!
Today was my 53rd birthday and because another person donated their heart I was here to celebrate!.
I had lunch at a really cool place called "Scratch Elemental Bistro in Killeen, Texas with my younger daughter and dinner at Louisiana Longhorn Cafe in Round Rock with my husband. He also took me to see sing at Flix Brewhouse. It is a fun movie to watch.
Last Tuesday I had my 13th biopsy and still no rejection. Just 3 left and I will have made it through my first year.
Now down to the business of all things medical. Even with insurance it is quite expensive to be a transplant patient. With the biopsies and medication it just gets difficult. My husband is also going through some tough medical stuff so we are having trouble paying the bills.
We appreciate any help you can give and if you have already given, thank you very much. Please share this with your friends and family. Thanks, Sandy
On Tuesday this week, I had my 11th biopsy which went well except I was totally dehydrated. Hot flashes, or, as I like to call them, "power surges", are not fun! You sweat out every bit of hydration during the night. Anyway, it went well and I have no rejection.
The most exciting news came today when the cardiologist said I can stop 5, yes 5 of the medications and reduce the Prednisone to 1 tab once a day.
I can also start riding again, woohoo. No worries folks, I wear all the safety gear, including gloves, all the time.
On Wednesday, I went to Cardiac Rehab and was able to increase the weight on each of the exercises I do on the weight machine. Mind you, I can only do 12.5 lbs on the leg extension and 25 on back row, chest press and lat pull down but progress is progress.
It's been a struggle trying to find the best bike machine to use for my legs because my knees get unhappy very fast. I think we may have found it though. I'll know for sure next week.
Going to the gym to get in at least one more workout this week. Shooting for 2 days at the gym to bring it up to 3 counting rehab day.
If you see this campaign page please like and share with everyone you can. My family and I appreciate all the help and support we've received so far.
Today is 3 months post transplant!!!
I know it's been a while since my last update but things are going in the right direction.
There was a bit of excitement at my 4th biopsy in May. Apparently my right lung had a slow leak and filled up with blood. No worries though, the surgeon put in a chest tube and got it all out. My lungs are squeaky clean now. On the up side to that, we were able to control the treatment of my stomach issue (h.pylori) and we "think" it may be gone this time. The test to verify can't be done until the end of July so, hopefully, we'll know by the first week of August
Last week, July 5th, was biopsy #8 and it showed "no rejection". This is exactly what we want to see. I don't have to have another biopsy until August 2nd.
I'm able to do more things now, including driving and Cardiac rehab. All the muscles protest but I'm getting stronger.
12 days post transplant and everything is looking good. As long as the biopsy is good I'll go home this afternoon. Heart, kidneys and lungs are good . The stomach is better (have to take it slow). I'm very excited and happy that the new heart is doing well for me. Special thanks to the nurses, aids and staff at Seton Medical Center Austin for taking care of me. You all deserve daisies. For the transplant team, you will forever have my love and gratitude.
First of all I want to say thank you to my donor, you saved me and I will never forget that.
11 days post and all seems well. The second biopsy was today and so far so good. We will know more tomorrow but Dr. H seemed happy with what he saw.
Possibly going home tomorrow but I haven't signed any paperwork yet.
For those who dont know, a heart recipient has to have weekly biopsies to ensure they aren't rejecting.
The transplant on the 15th was a success! Sandy is doing well and may get to go home on the 27th.
April 15, 2016: To those wondering. Mom (Sandy)is at Seton Medical Center waiting until 230 for her new heart. Surgery will be about 4-6 hours barring any . I will endeavor to keep everyone as updated as I can. Thank you everyone for your good vibes today!
Congratulations! Keep your chin and your spirits up. You're a miracle! xoxo
the Glitter Queen
You're in our thoughts and may you have a full and speedy recovery! Live.Love.Laugh ❤
Lori Downs
Love for you from Connecticut. May you recover quickly and heal strong!
The Riveras
You are in our thoughts and we hope for your quick healing and recovery!
The Woodcocks
Love and support from Oregon.
Kendra and Delaney
We can do this!!!
Charlie and Vicky Lonidier
Make checks payable to:
Help Hope Live
Note in memo:
In honor of Sandy Wiley
Mail to:
Help Hope Live
2 Radnor Corporate Center
Suite 100
100 Matsonford Road
Radnor, PA 19087
Donor preference is important to us. Please specify in writing if you wish for your name or donation amount to be kept private.
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