Help Hope Live for Jerry Morefield

As many of you know, Jerry received his new heart in November at Duke University. He was hospitalized 37 days on an Aortic balloon pump before the transplant surgery. He went home 9 days later with a few scars, several medications and a list of appointments back at Duke.

 Jerry was so happy to be home – his own bed, sitting on his couch and having better food!

Unfortunately, that time at home was short lived.

Two weeks later, at his 2nd routine Biopsy appointment at Duke, Jerry was admitted back in the hospital. 

He had a hard time breathing before the appointment and felt extremely tired.

The x-ray showed significant fluid around his lungs and his red blood count was very low. The Dr. said Jerry needed to stay 2-3 days for a blood transfusion and have fluid removed/tested.

 Well, he stayed 34 days. The fluid was an extensive, aggressive infection. The surgeon performed open heart and abdominal surgeries on Jerry to remove the major infection, then placed him in deep sedation/coma for a week. His chest was kept open to place anti-microbial solutions regularly to prevent more infection.

  After the surgery, there were some serious complications. Jerry was so sick the week of Christmas. Then, on New Year’s Eve, he received devastating news that his 33-yr old daughter was found deceased that morning. That about killed him.

    He finally came home the next week with more scars, even more medications – including an I.V. anti-microbial medicine that Nancy administers daily.

It was very scary for his family. They almost lost Jerry. The surgeon said it was a miracle he survived. 

He is still having discomfort and very weak. Hopefully Jerry will grow stronger and avoid any more setbacks.

 The funds donated last Fall were a big help! Medical expenses not covered by insurance were paid and Nancy’s travel expenses were reimbursed. Thank you to everyone who sent in money.

Now, due to the unexpected 2nd set of surgeries in December, those funds are depleted.

Jerry and Nancy are again, humbly, asking for more donations. The Fund will help with his medical and travel expenses to Duke for his upcoming appointments this year.

Jerry is so grateful for any support received.  

GET JERRY’S LIFE BACK With A NEW HEART !

Jerry was working in the IT field after receiving a Cyber Security associate degree in 2021. That career was cut short in November 2023 due to his heart condition.Jerry was always in good health and grew up playing sports -football, tennis, golf and wrestling in high school. After high school, he worked in construction for a few years – then entered the Navy. He served 20 years before retiring. He worked hard and always offered a helping hand. Jerry returned to Virginia and settled into the Hampton Roads area again where he married Nancy in 2017.

Jerry was diagnosed with Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy (HCM) in 2002 while he served in the Navy. He had very few issues with HCM until 2022.At that time, he started having breathing issues and chest pains related to HCM and heart failure. His heart has continued to deteriorate. Jerry’s cardiologist referred him to Duke University in NC. The cardiologists at Duke are recommending a heart transplant. After 8 days in their hospital for transplant evaluation, he is home with continuous IV heart medication and regular visits from home health services. Jerry has chest pains every day and fatigues easily. He struggles with doing simple tasks, such as walking upstairs, taking a shower, preparing a meal or taking out the trash. He can’t do any yardwork, especially with an IV attached to him. Jerry is fundraising to help pay his out of pocket medical and travel expenses. Transplant anti-rejection medications are only partially covered by his insurance. Jerry travels 3 hours for regular appointments at Duke, and soon, heart surgery.

After the transplant, Jerry hopes he will be able to live a normal life again. He misses doing house projects & yardwork with Nancy and grilling on the deck. He would love to walk on the beach in OBX again, maybe go hiking and see a waterfall in person for the first time. And Nancy wants her ‘old’ Jerry back. Donations to Help Hope Live would make this possible for Jerry (and Nancy). They are so grateful for your support. Our family and friends are raising money for the nonprofit Help Hope Live in honor of of Jerry Morefield to fund uninsured medical expenses associated with transplantation.

Jerry has chosen to fundraise 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. And please share Jerry’s story on your social media platforms. Every donation counts.

For more information, please contact Help Hope Live at 800.642.8399.Thank you for your support!