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Steve Richberg is a 31-year-old man who desperately needs a heart transplant. After developing cardiomyopathy 13 years ago and managing his condition with medication, in March of 2013, he had a stroke due to complications of cardiomyopathy. After many hospitalizations, he was referred for cardiac transplant evaluation and was placed on the heart transplant list. Things were stable until very recently; Due to significant worsening of his heart, Steve is now on continuous IV medications and has been upgraded to status 1B on the heart transplant list. A heart transplant is his only remaining option for survival and he will need help because the cost of a heart transplant can be financially devastating to families.

Steve is a loving husband, and has been married to his High School sweetheart for four years. They have two sons, Steven age 11 and Jaden age 8. Steve coached youth baseball up until he no longer could due to his health. He loves sports and cannot wait until he receives his new heart so he can return to playing sports with his kids.

Updates (5)

September 21, 2016

So Steve's doctors appointment went good today. He had a chest x-ray, echo, and biopsy done. The doctor said his heart looks great (he had her say it few more times just so he could hear it over and over). They made a few minor medication adjustments. There was fluid around his new heart and that has since resolved. He can drive short distances now, which he is excited about. He also is planning on starting cardiac rehab very soon! Praying for good results tomorrow regarding biopsy results.

Also hopefully the letter to the donor family will be mailed shortly. We can't meet them for at least a year, they may not even want to meet him. But we want to let them know how thankful we are for them, how much they are part of our lives, how much we think about them.

I know I keep saying this but this has been the greatest gift. It's been a hard road and this journey isn't over yet. Steve's chance at a new life is a complete blessing. Life is short and can all change in a blink of an eye.

Thank you again to everyone who has helped us during the past 42 days. Thank you for all the prayers. Thank you for all the random acts of kindness. In a world full of negativity there are some truly AMAZING people out there that we are lucky enough to call our family (blood related or not).

August 18, 2016

Steve received his new heart of 8/10/2016. He was transplant number 711 at Saint Luke's Hospital-Heart Institute. Steve had some complications right after transplant and had to be taken back to the OR 3 times. He also suffered significant blood loss and received many transfusions of blood and blood components.

Steve finally moved out of ICU late yesterday. He is doing much better. He has went on a few walks around the unit. Still in a lot of pain but all things considered he is doing amazing!!!!!

Best moment so far has been when the boys were finally able to see their dad and they were able to give each other hugs. Steve is the best dad, and with this new heart he has been given the opportunity to be even better!

Thank you for all the messages, phone calls, and texts. And I huge thanks you for all the prayers and love. This honestly was the best gift from God.

I also would like everyone to keep the donor family in their prayers as well. Because of their selfless act of kindness my husband is able to be my husband longer and a dad longer. He is going to make sure to take care of this new heart and make sure to give back to those who have supported him and prayed for him. I promise you he will life this new life to the fullest.

#RichbergStrong

Guestbook

August 18, 2016

Thinking of you and your family. Stay strong brother

Danny Serrano

August 16, 2016

My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.

Sabrina and Noah Leonard

August 9, 2016

Sending love and support to your family.

Alesa Hedges