A few years ago, my dear friend Brenda Baker came down with a severe case of the flu. The virus lingered for many weeks and traveled throughout Brenda’s body, eventually attacking her heart. Brenda was soon diagnosed with severe Cardiomyopathy; the measurable deterioration of the heart muscle’s ability to contract. Without treatment, this condition can lead to an irregular heartbeat and sudden cardiac death.

Brenda spent weeks in the hospital hoping to recover, however she took a turn for the worse and was placed in the hands of Cedar-Sinai Medical Center, where surgeons removed her diseased heart during an emergency surgery. Brenda is now living with a temporary “artificial heart” and she is hooked to a machine 24/7 that is keeping her alive. Her artificial heart is only temporary, and Brenda must receive the gift of life through a lifesaving heart transplant — or she won’t survive much longer.

Even with health insurance, Brenda’s upcoming transplant will be a tremendous financial burden. From co-pays and deductibles, to travel and temporary relocation fees in order to be near her transplant center, the out-of-pocket medical expenses will quickly add up. Brenda is required to hire a caregiver both before and after her transplant, which is expected to cost up to $10,000 per month. Without a designated around-the-clock caregiver, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center will not list Brenda on the “active” transplant list. Brenda will also be required to take anti-rejection medications for the rest of her life, and her expenses will continue for her lifetime.