I had open heart surgery in 1968 at the age of 5. At that time the doctors told my parents that my heart was the size of my dad’s fist. (Your heart is only supposed to be the size of your own fist.)
After that I lived a pretty normal life. As a kid I would always tire out quite a bit faster than the other kids, but I was able to do most of the things a normal boy does.
In early 2000 I began having more and more trouble breathing. I was eventually diagnosed with 2 blood clots in my left atria as a result of atrial flutter. This is when the upper chambers of heart flutter and does not push all the blood out. That’s how the clot(s) develop. It is similar the to atrial fibrillation that you see commercials for on TV.
I went on what ended up being a 4 month leave from work, during which time the clots where slowly dissolved with blood thinners. After the clots where dissolved they used an electric shock to get my heart in a normal rhythm.
In Late 2008 it was decided to place a defibrillator/pacemaker. This automatically disqualified me from being a commercial driver. I had driven tractor-trailer for over 20 years.
I was recently hospitalized twice. During the second time I was told that I wouldn’t live long enough for transplant. The day after Thanksgiving I was released on a continuous IV on a line that goes directly into my heart. The plan is to to place an L-VAD, (left ventricular assist device) in early February. This is attached to the bottom of the of the left ventricle and assists the heart in the pumping of blood to the body, hence the name. After that and a 2-3 month recovery I’ll have to have some dental work done, then I’ll be placed on the transplant list. I could well be on the list for several years, it’s hard to tell at this point.
There will be considerable expenses associated with is, some covered by insurance and some not. If you are able to donate please do, I’m gonna need all the help I can get. Thanks Sean.
Family and friends of Sean Kernal are raising money for the nonprofit Help Hope Live to fund uninsured medical expenses associated with transplantation.
Sean has chosen to fund raise for Help Hope Live in part because Help Hope Live assures fiscal accountability of funds raised and tax deductibility for contributors. Contributors can be sure donations will be used to pay or reimburse medical and related expenses. To make a tax-deductible donation to this fundraising campaign, click on the Give button.
For more information, please contact Help Hope Live at 800.642.8399.
Thank you for your support!
