In July of 2010, Brent received an LVAD, better known as a mechanical heart, a device that assists his heart with pumping. After a long stay in the hospital we were grateful to have him return home, however he is now waiting for a heart transplant. While there are many challenges that come with a transplant, we remain optimistic and as Christians we know that God has a plan for us and will take care of Brent. With a new heart it is our hope that Brent will be able to return to work full-time and to a lifetime of enjoying cooking, scuba diving, camping and just being able to play with our three young children Florence, Sophia and Tippen.
Brent was born and raised in N. Idaho and worked as a chef and pastry chef until going into the hospital in 1998 when he first had heart problems. In 2002 he went back to school in order to pursue a career that would be less physically demanding. After earning a B.A. in Business, Brent was hoping to be able to return to work, but has not been able to as of yet. He is currently volunteering a few hours a week with a community program that helps families with their tax returns. And when his energy allows, Brent also helps cook at our church or for anyone who asks.
Expenses associated with heart transplantation can be astronomical. To complicate things even more, my employer asked me to step down from my position for fear they would have to let me go if I continued to miss work. We simply can’t pay for this surgery without your help.
In order to help with this overwhelming challenge, a fundraising campaign in Brent’s honor has been established with HelpHOPELive. HelpHOPELive is a nonprofit organization that has provided assistance to the transplant community for more than 25 years. All tax-deductible donations are disbursed by HelpHOPELive for transplant related expenses only. If you would like to make a tax-deductible contribution:
Make checks payable to: HelpHOPELive Northwest Heart Transplant Fund
Note in memo section: In Honor of Brent Bruns
Please send to: HelpHOPELive
Two Radnor Corporate Center100 Matsonford Road, Suite 100
Radnor, PA 19087
If you prefer, you can make a credit card contribution by calling 800-642-8399 or by selecting the DONATE NOW button.
If you can assist with our fundraising efforts, we could use your help. Please call!
Brent and I appreciate your thoughts, prayers and any contributions. Your support is what helps ordinary people survive extraordinary challenges such as this.
Thank you and God Bless,
Katy Bruns 208-640-3871
Contributions are tax-deductible to the extent allowed by law. This campaign is administered by the HelpHOPELive, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit providing fundraising assistance to transplant and catastrophic injury patients. Information: 800.642.8399.
