HELP HOPE LIVE for Ken Sims
Team Ken – Rounding the Bases Again, On way to Third!
Ken Sims, who’s been battling hereditary Amyloidosis for 4 very long years, is now ‘Rounding the Bases Again, on his way to Third!’ After receiving the Gift of Life: a new heart August 30, 2023, he’s playing hardball – against Amyloidosis, Transplant, and Leukemia! This is, and always will be, a lifelong battle. There is no 9th inning! Ken, for the rest of his life, will forever be playing the World Series of Life. Ken simply 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 (5)
May 9, 2026
Latest update:
Just about 2 months ago, Ken was diagnosed with Leukemia. More specifically CML. Chronic Myeloid Leukemia. Now, cancers (most commonly skin cancers) are kinda common in transplant patients. Ken, unfortunately, got the blood cancer. What is fortunate, though, is that it was caught early, in the beginning phase. Treatment, for most, goes relatively well. With Ken, however, it becomes tricky. With heart transplant patients, it becomes a fine line of trying to balance chemo meds with anti-rejection meds. Up, down, adjust repeat. Up, down, adjust, repeat. Cue the start of the roller-coaster ride. After much research and adjusting of meds, Ken was finally started on an oral chemo regimen. Three weeks in, Ken's counts start to drop. Very low. Also experiencing side effects. Stop chemo. Adjust med doses on both sides. Restart chemo. Counts still not where they should be (but still seeing those slight improvements.) Adjust. More tests, more tests. Riding this roller-coaster just plain stinks! For us both. Again, same journey, different paths.
If you would, please keep Ken and our family in your prayers. Kind words, good juju ... whatever you have for us, we'll take. We appreciate each and every person following along on this journey with us!
Be well and Much Love! ❤️
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
