Help HOPE Live for Ken Sims
Team Ken – Rounding the Bases Again!
Ken Sims, who’s been battling hereditary Cardiac Amyloidosis for 2 very long years is now ‘Rounding the Bases Again!’ After receiving the Gift of Life: a new heart August 30, 2023, he’s ready to play hardball – against Amyloidosis! This is, and always will be, a lifelong battle. There is no 9th inning! Ken for the rest of his life will battle Amyloidosis… and fight the fight of a transplant recipient. Ken longs to be the man he used to be – tinkering around the house, working, taking day trips, even catching a baseball game when he can. It’s been an extremely difficult journey, for us both. And, need I say, COSTLY. We are fighting with everything in us FOR HIS LIFE.
Updates (4)
March 5, 2026
Im sorry folks, I havent been the greatest at updating Ken's campaign page. Last August Ken was the featured spotlight with the Natiinal Transplant Alliance. Heres the article I wrote:Here is the article as posted on Transplant Alliances page. Followed by bingo information. August 2025 Spotlight: Kenneth SimsAbout Ken: Ken’s journey began some years ago with chest pain, extreme fatigue, shortness of breath, and just general malaise. Test after test, doctor after doctor, eventually it all led to Cardiac Amyloidosis. A condition where abnormal proteins build up in the heart muscle and surrounding tissues, causing it to thicken and harden. In Ken’s case, the disease had already progressed enough for doctors to say he needed a new heart. After a 2nd opinion, and some time to digest everything, we began looking at transplant hospitals. Ultimately he chose Thomas Jefferson Hospital in Philadelphia, PA.After a daunting evaluation process, Ken was officially listed in March of 2023. His stats were concerning to his doctors, and in July he was admitted indefinitely. Unknown what the future would hold for us, we decided to renew our wedding vows: “To have and to hold, in sickness and health.” We had a small, intimate ceremony in the hospital chapel – Just us, the officiant, and two close friends. Despite the circumstances, it was all we could have wanted. On Aug 30th, Ken was told a match was found, and he was scheduled for transplant in less than 24 hours. I spent those last few hours holding his hand, laughing, crying, talking about what we hoped life could look like post transplant. At some point, Doctor R came into Ken’s room with his ‘Team Ken’ shirt on we had given each surgeon and said the others had theirs on too. It was just what we needed to lighten the mood for a few moments.Then it came time. Not sure either of us will ever forget that walk to the OR. Tears were abundant, from both of us. And to know Ken – Ken NEVER cries! Thankfully, God saw fit to walk with us when we needed him most. The next few months were challenging and filled with complications. Some put him near death. In the end, it made him stronger. It made US stronger. We hope God continues to walk with us with love and guidance.Ken’s goal is simple, — to do the things he loves and be the best man he can be. Transplant life is hard, filled with challenges and triumphs. You learn to roll with the punches and take each day as it comes with courage, strength, and determination. We celebrate the little victories and fight with everything we have for our life together. Fundraising is a vital part of our journey. It assists Ken and I with lifelong transplant-associated costs, and in unexpected hurdles as they arise. Please consider donating in Ken’s honor today. Every dollar helps immensely! And without your help, this wouldn’t be possible. Thank you.Thought it was a nice read
July 16, 2023
The first day we've be dreading. We knew this was coming. But still not ready. We spent July 4th in Phila, at Jennerson. Ken had a catheterization scheduled for July 5th. That day, the 5th, we learned his cardiac output had severely declined and his heart wasn't pumping effectively, thus not getting enough oxygen to his lungs. They wanted to admit him, but ultimately gave him a week to get everything taken care of and to be back, prepared for hospitalization until he receives a heart. His status on UNOS hopefully will be upgraded from a 4 to a 2.
