Andrew Buxton

My Story

My name is Andrew a husband, a father , grandparent a man of faith. I live with my wife, Penny, in rural Jasper, Alabama. We’ve been married for 25 years. Our children are grown, and our two dogs are very much part of our family.

Before heart failure became such a large part of my life, I was simply Andrew — a husband and dad who loved being outdoors, playing golf, travelling, spending time with family and enjoying the simple things in life.

In 2014, I was diagnosed with heart failure. In November 2023, I received an LVAD — a left ventricular assist device — that has literally kept me alive by helping the left side of my heart pump blood throughout my body. It has given me precious time and has served as a bridge while I wait and hope for a heart transplant.

But I want people to see the person behind the medical condition.

I’m a man who wants his life back.

I want to wake up thinking about what the day might bring instead of batteries, equipment and medical appointments. I want to get in the car with Penny and go somewhere without having to plan everything around my LVAD. I want to swim in the ocean, walk 18 holes of golf without a cart, travel, enjoy the outdoors, sit on the porch with my wife and dogs, laugh and make memories.

The things I once considered ordinary have become some of the things I want most.

And through all of this, Penny has been beside me.

After 25 years of marriage, I can honestly say that she is one of the greatest blessings of my life. She is an incredible human being who has given so much of herself to help and care for me throughout this journey. She has been there through the difficult days, the uncertainty, the setbacks and the hope.

Without Penny, I don’t believe I could have made it through this journey the way I have. I am truly, truly blessed to have her beside me.

I don’t simply want more time alive. I want more life with Penny.

My faith has carried me through some very difficult days. I’m grateful for the LVAD that has kept me here, grateful for the people who have cared for me, and grateful for every day I’ve been given. But I’m still hoping and praying for the next chapter.

My transplant medical care is covered by insurance. However, the journey also brings everyday expenses that aren’t covered — travelling to appointments, fuel, meals and accommodation near the transplant center before and after surgery while I recover.

That’s why I’m sharing my story through Help Hope Live.

This isn’t really a story about a machine or about medical expenses. It’s about a person who still has dreams, still has hope and still has a lot of living left to do.

I’m Andrew — a husband of 25 years, a father, a friend, a believer, a golfer, a country guy who loves his family and his dogs, and a man who is fighting for the opportunity to get back to the life he loves.

The LVAD gave me time. Now I’m praying for the chance to turn that time into a life fully lived.

I don’t want people to feel sorry for me. I want them to know me, know Penny, understand what we’ve been through, and understand why getting my life back means so much to us.

Thank you for taking the time to read my story, to get to know us, and to be part of this journey. We are truly grateful.