He was diagnosed with viral cardiomyopathy in January of 2003. Though Greg vowed that his illness would not define him, his failing health forced him to stop working in October of 2006. Greg continued to fight the effects of the disease by staying active in the lives of his children and friends. However, in 2009 Greg’s heart would no longer function well enough to support any activity. Greg was very fortunate to be a qualified candidate for a left ventricular assist device (L-VAD). The surgery and device gave Greg an additional two years of life that he might not have otherwise had. Unfortunately that device is no longer functioning properly and Greg now needs a heart transplant to survive. He is currently on the waiting list for a heart transplant at University of Virginia Hospital.
Although Greg has insurance, there are many uninsured expenses associated with transplantation, such as insurance co-pays, costly post-transplant medications (to be taken for a lifetime), as well as travel expenses for follow-up appointments. Greg will have to spend at least two weeks in the hospital following the transplant surgery and he will have to be seen by hospital doctors at least once a month thereafter for close monitoring in case his body should try to reject the new heart. During this critical time, the support of family and friends is vital for Greg’s successful recovery.
To help alleviate the financial burden of transplantation, a fundraising campaign in Greg’s honor has been established with HelpHOPELive (formerly NTAF), a nonprofit organization that has been assisting the transplant community for nearly 30 years. All donations are tax deductible, are held by HelpHOPELive in the South-Atlantic Heart Transplant Fund, and are administered by HelpHOPELive for transplant-related expenses only. Your contribution is greatly appreciated.Greg, his children, and I greatly appreciate your positive thoughts and prayers. Your continued support and contributions will help Greg survive this unbelievable challenge and return to his productive life as soon as possible.
Sincerest thanks and kindest regards,
Tiffany Brown
540-785-7957
[email protected]
