Linda received a heart transplant on December 24, 2009. It was truly a Christmas miracle, as so many have been praying for a new heart for her. We rejoiced with Linda, as this has been a journey of medical uncertainty. For the past three years, Linda has had to endure many surgical procedures and long hospital stays for her congestive heart failure. One certainty though, was Linda’s genuine faith through this experience. Her attitude has been full of thanksgiving as she confronted each phase of this surgery.
Linda has lived a life of service as she has spent every one of her days helping others. Linda’s family is a perfect example of how she lives each day quietly serving. Linda is the mother of two natural daughters, Kari and Shelly and two adopted daughters, Vicky and Emily, both with Down Syndrome. Shelly, who had Down Syndrome, died suddenly at the age of twelve, twenty-six years ago. The twelve years that Linda spent raising Shelly changed her heart forever. She developed a passion and love for children with disabilities. In addition to the adoption of Vicky and Emily, she has opened her home to four other girls with disabilities who have been with her for twenty-three years. Linda has often referred to her family as her ministry. Even as she pursued her heart transplant, she always considered the needs of her family, church and friends of greatest importance.
The medical bills that now confront Linda are overwhelming. She will need very expensive anti-rejection medications for the rest of her life as well as regular costly heart biopsies. And unfortunately, the monthly co-pay with her limited insurance is extraordinarily high. For this year alone, Linda and her family need to raise a minimum of $50,000.
To help ease the burden of these ongoing medical expenses, a fundraising campaign has been established in Linda’s honor with HelpHOPELive. HelpHOPELive provides both tax-deductibility and fiscal accountability to contributors. Contributors can be sure that funds contributed will be used only to pay or reimburse medically-related expenses. Any size donation will be most appreciated.
Everyone who hears Linda’s story is so blessed by her openness and her faith. Will you please consider joining Linda’s team of supporters? Funding Linda’s transplant is a difficult challenge and we need your help. Your financial gifts and prayers will be greatly appreciated. God Bless You.
Make checks payable to:
HelpHOPELive Southwest Heart Transplant Fund
Note in memo section:
In Honor of Linda Smith
Mail to:
HelpHOPELive
Two Radnor Corporate Center100 Matsonford Road, Suite 100
Radnor, PA 19087
For secure credit card donations:
Call 800-642-8399 or click the “CONTRIBUTE NOW” button.
To email this page directly to others in your community who might wish to learn about this campaign, click the “E-MAIL TO FRIENDS” button and type in as many addresses as you wish.
For more information, please contact HelpHOPELive at 800-642-8399.
Thanks for your support!
