I’d like to introduce my son, Ricky Herman, who is only 20 years-old and in desperate need of a lifesaving heart transplant. Ricky was diagnosed with a progressive form of congestive heart failure, and has been sick and suffering from problems for some time now. He has been in and out of the hospital many times, and during Ricky’s most recent hospital stay, he became progressively weaker. His physicians have informed Ricky that without a new heart, Ricky’s time and options will quickly run out!

As his loving parents, we are far from giving up on our son. He was recently transferred to UC San Diego Hospital and God answered our prayers as Ricky is now undergoing extensive medical testing to be placed on the active heart transplant list. As he completes several rounds of testing to have his heart transplant, doctors and hospital nurses are working hard to save Ricky’s life. He has successfully undergone open heart surgery to implant two ventricular assist devices also known as (BIVAD). They are mechanical pumps that are used to support heart function and blood flow in people who have weakened hearts. The device takes blood from a lower chamber of the heart and helps pump it to the body and vital organs, just as a healthy heart would. However, this device is only a temporary bridge to saving Ricky’s life, until they find him a new heart that he desperately needs.

Ricky continues to recover from his surgeries, but will have a long journey ahead of him. As he waits for his transplant, out-of-pocket expenses are quickly adding up. Ricky’s transplant team will require him to stay upwards of at least three months locally in San Diego, to be closer to the hospital around the time of transplant. Ricky will need continued follow-up appointments, rehab and physical therapy. He will also require extensive and costly post-transplant medications that are needed for the rest of his life. Once Ricky gets strong enough to be released from the hospital, he will need to travel back and forth to the hospital for post-transplant testing, staying a few days at a time. This is going to be a rough road financially and emotionally during these times, and any financial support, and especially prayers, will be greatly appreciated in this time to come.