April 27, 2020
With the current unsurety of the viral assault on our nation taking place, I thought it was time for an update. Being immuno-suppressed the precautions I'm taking have not come without heartfelt consequences. I cannot see my grandchildren now, no live virus inoculations, scheduled medical exams and vital procedures have had to be postponed, add in the exposure threat from handling mail or currency all come together to just elevate stress and worry. Bills and other financial responsibilities still loom heavily and it's a struggle to keep pace. Without family & friends it would be very difficult to get through.
May 16, 2019
Please excuse my lack of updates but I have been enjoying the never-ending curiosity and wonder of my twin granddaughters, who just turned 4 years old
After a recent checkup trip to UCLA (this time for an angiogram), I was left with some severe nerve and muscle pain in my right wrist and forearm. Although my doctors said this was a common aftereffect of the procedure, the pain did not go away. I eventually needed an additional ultrasound -- it revealed a blocked artery (Subclavian Arterial Blockage) in my right shoulder. Had this not been caught it could have resulted in sudden dizziness, loss of vision, stroke or even a heart attack.
The blockage can be managed with a stint, and I've already scheduled surgery in June. This means an unexpected trip to UCLA for a minimum of 3 days to put in the stint, yet another unforeseen financial expense. Finding out about the blocked artery at least gave me and my family an answer about what was going on, but still causes immense stress. I will post an update after the surgery, but am once again asking for you to share my story on your social networks.
February 14, 2018
Just completed my anniversary angiogram since my transplant 2 years ago. As you can see we are about half way to our goal to help with still crushing bills that we incurred. Please share our story so that we can meet our goal. Thank you.
October 9, 2017
Hello to all my friends and thank you for your support and kind wishes. Although I have progressed to the every 3 month follow-up stage there have been a few setbacks. Even if you are doing everything that you are supposed to, I had a rough bout with something all transplant patients have to deal with. It's called CMV (cytomegalovirus). It is the most common and single most important viral infection a solid organ transplant recipient can have. Due to my depressed immune system and some of the lifetime medications I must always be wary.Fortunately we noticed the symptoms early, but it still took it's toll. So even though recovery is progressing an additional level of vigilance is now included. But like the man says, "it sure beats the alternative".
February 11, 2017
I have recently hit my 1 year mark since my heart transplant. My daily life is a work in progress (meds/diet) that I happily accept. I can't say enough about the medical staff at UCLA as well as my wife, daughter, friends and family members who have been there for me and helped get me this far.
October 2, 2016
It's been awhile since I've shared my story about my heart transplant. Needless to say, the physical and emotional demands were and are great but that's why I take it day by day. So far with regular Las Vegas cardio rehab and close monitoring from the UCLA transplant team I have gotten stronger and even put on some lost muscle. Monthly biopsies and blood work show no signs of cellular rejection. My medications have been adjusted and it looks like we've found the right balance. I recently celebrated my 6 month anniversary in July and got to celebrate my birthday in Sept, something I wasn't sure I would get to do. Despite all this medical success our fund raising efforts have not been as successful. The constant travel to Los Angeles for biopsies and specialized blood work takes it's toll. The struggle over the last year to deal with the costs of lodging, fuel, as well as the odd unforeseen elements that always pop up is still a burden. At last count we are at $40,000 out of pocket. I thank those that have contributed and humbly ask that you help us spread the fundraising need again. With your continued support my progress will continue.
June 1, 2016
Hey everyone! I'm back home in Las vegas finally! The new heart is doing great at the moment. Every day is a new day to make progress and push myself a little harder. We still have to travel to UCLA monthly for biopsies and clinics, and I take over 60 pills a day. I am extremely grateful to all the support my family and I have received. Although I'm better, our expenses are still enormous and we appreciate any donations that come our way. We ask you to please share our update with everyone.
February 12, 2016
Ken has been moved off the Cardiac ICU unit and his new heart is working great. Now it's on to rehab to build up his strength and dialysis until his kidney function returns to full level. Doctors say he may get to return home in the next few weeks! The bills are piling up and any donation will help us tremendously.
January 7, 2016
GOOD NEWS UPDATE! CONGRATULATIONS, KEN! We are pleased to inform all of our loyal supporters that on Monday, January 5th Ken received his Gift-of-Life -- his heart transplant! Ken is still recovering in the ICU at Ronald Regan UCLA Medical Center. His health is critical while his body works hard to accept his new donor heart. Ken will soon transition to long-term post-transplant housing, where he will recover until he can get back on his feet. Ken's out-of-pocket post-transplant medical bills and housing costs are skyrocketing. He needs all of the help he can get during this critical phase of his medical journey and recovery to get back on his feet. Please consider a tax-deductible contribution for this kind, gracious and wonderful man and family. Any amount, no matter how big or how small will make a huge difference in Ken's recovery and future.
December 20, 2015
We want to thank everyone for their generosity and support. The cost of temporary housing has exhausted Ken & Mary's savings as well as the posted funds raised on this site. Ken has been notified that his position on the transplant list is high and that a donor heart could be available at any time. Although this news is joyful it creates additional stress. Specifically being able to cover the medical, financial and housing costs that are essential to Ken's recovery.This means at least 2 more weeks in hospital after the transplant and a minimum of 3 months of temporary housing in Los Angeles near UCLA hospital for out-patient followups . Ken & Mary ask for your understanding and any additional support that you can give in spreading the word about Ken's situation.
October 15, 2015
On October 12th Ken's condition suddenly declined. UCLA was able to quickly schedule an LVAD procedure, and Ken is currently recovering from this emergency surgery. The LVAD is an electromechanical device that helps Ken's heart continue to function. The need for this device is another sign that Ken's heart failure is becoming more intense.
Because of the recovery of the LVAD surgery and the risk of infection, Ken will now have to wait even longer for a heart transplant. On top of this delay, his operation presents a new set of medical, financial, and emotional challenges.
Ken's wife and primary caregiver, Mary, continues to search for post-operative housing for them near UCLA. As the average monthly rent in Los Angeles is around $2000, even with a lengthy commute, this continues to be a financial worry for everyone. The security of knowing post-operative housing is taken care of will help everyone put their energy into the more immediate issues of Ken's day-to-day care after his sudden downturn.
Through the generosity of family, friends, and caring strangers we have been slowly gathering funds. Thank you for all of the donations, and spreading the message about Ken's condition. We still have a long way to go and appreciate any kind of help you can offer!
