Alex Rivers is only 22 years-old and is in desperate need of a lifesaving heart transplant. This past January, Alex was working an ordinary day at his job, when he first noticed his heart was racing and beating out of control. He began to feel short of breath and was rushed to the hospital’s emergency room. Alex was diagnosed with a spontaneous form of congestive heart failure, and after a battery of testing and medical procedures, it was soon discovered that Alex had an aggressive and serious form of non-ischemic cardiomyopathy. Cardiomyopathy is when the muscles of the heart abnormally grow and make it harder for the heart to pump and deliver blood to the rest of the body. This condition can lead to heart failure and often requires a new heart. Alex has recently been informed by his cardiologist that it is now time for him to undergo a lifesaving heart transplant — or his time will soon run out.

Before his diagnosis, Alex was living the life of a normal 22 year-old. He was an active member of the New Hampshire National Guard for almost 3 years, and worked as an information technology specialist. He spends one weekend a month and two weeks every year volunteering his time with the National Guard, but because Alex now lives with an ICD device (Implantable Cardioverter Defibrillator), he is no longer able to serve his country. Also unable to work as a result of his heart condition, Alex has limited income to assist with his out-of-pocket medical expenses related to his medical condition.