I want to give a quick background to what I have been through in the last two years, but first I should explain that I was honorably discharged from the Army and given a medical retirement due to injuries sustained from toxic chemical exposure. These injuries have caused my body to develop an autoimmune disease called sarcoidosis. I have been in end stage heart failure for the past 2 years and I have been admitted to the hospital 20 times for emergency care or surgeries during that span of time. I have endured a 10 minute cardiac arrest and several near fatal heart failures. Thankfully I have not yet been completely overcome.

This has been an incredibly difficult time on my family. We have been very resilient considering all that we have been through as my children have been witness to these serious heart events and have seen me taken away by ambulance so many times that we are now on first name basis with the first responders. It has been difficult to see the fear In there eyes as they wonder if I will make it though each event.

Now I am preparing for a heart transplant because all previous courses of treatment have been unsuccessful and transplant is the only option left. I have put up as good a fight as I am able, but I have come to accept that transplant gives me and my family the most hope.

I have been unable to work for the past 2 years and I have watched rather helplessly as my career and financial situation have deteriorated. I know when I get the new heart I will be able to return to work and rebuild my career, but my immediate financial situation is of more concern. I must pay for the recovery housing because my insurance does not cover transportation or lodging. So I am having to pay for 2 living spaces one for me in Phoenix and my family’s home in MN. While my insurance is very good and I am so grateful to have it I am at the same time realizing how many expenditures come with as serious a surgery as a heart transplant is.

At this point I am really unsure of what else to do and so many family and friends have asked what they can do to help that I now feel I should accept the offers. Please don’t feel obligated to help, but if you can and if you want to my family and I would be so grateful, as this has been a major stress for us. If you can or can not donate please remember my family and I in your prayers, because those truly are the most valuable resources I have and they have seen me through this far. Thank you!