Anthony Mead

For the four years since we learned of Anthony’s heart failure in 2020, Anthony has been stable on cocktails of heart failure medicines, and he worked very hard to be as normal of a teenage boy as he could be. Anthony’s journey has been marked by strength and perseverance, but now, the fight has intensified. Despite trying to live his life as fully as possible, Anthony’s declining health is forcing him to focus on seeking a heart transplant.

After four years of battling cardiomyopathy and congestive heart failure and enduring multiple hospital stays and treatments, Anthony’s heart has reached a critical point. His diagnosis was upgraded to end stage heart failure on 8/3/2024, and he was hospitalized at Froedtert Medical Center in Milwaukee where he is currently awaiting a heart transplant. Currently, he’s listed as Status 2e for a heart transplant, a position that brings hope but also uncertainty as he waits for the life-saving procedure.

Anthony is an avid gamer, and loves to play both online games, role playing games (like D&D) and board games with friends and family. He is into all things fantasy and magic. He also really enjoys Legos. He’s been limited in his abilities due to his condition and spends most of his time at home. Cheerful and helpful, he has been a bright light in the lives of everyone he has known.

Before this latest hospitalization, Anthony had just achieved a significant milestone—he graduated from Preble High School and was accepted into UW-Green Bay. He even took Advanced Placement (AP) courses and passed the tests! He has high aspirations to use his heart failure journey as a catalyst in life – and wants to pursue an advanced degree in Pharmaceutical Sciences, in hopes to work on teams that research and develop new medicines for people with heart failure.

He has big dreams of moving to Seattle to continue his education, with a bright future ahead of him. However, these plans are now on hold as he focuses on the most important fight of his life. The hospital has become his new reality, and while he is no stranger to these surroundings, the weight of this battle is taking a toll on his spirit. Anthony is struggling to cope with the relentless challenges of hospital life. The discomfort, uncertainty, and emotional strain are ever-present. His days are filled with medical procedures, evaluations, and the constant reminder of the gravity of his situation. As his health continues to be closely monitored, Anthony remains in the ICU, where he is receiving intravenous medications to support his failing heart.

Despite the efforts of his medical team, the journey ahead is daunting, and the need for support has never been greater. We are fundraising to help cover the significant expenses that come with a heart transplant. These include not only the medical and prescription drug costs, but also the costs of relocation. Anthony and his mother, who is his main support person have had to upend their lives for a second time and have moved to Milwaukee temporarily. His mother is having to take unpaid time off, still maintain the home they have in Green Bay, along with the costs of living away from home for months. There are also various needs that will arise post-transplant, such as therapy expenses, transportation expenses and other unforeseen costs.

Your support can make a tremendous difference in easing the financial burden during this critical time. Additionally, you can lift Anthony’s spirits by sending cards, pictures, and notes of encouragement to fill his room with the love and positivity he desperately needs. Every contribution, no matter the size, will help Anthony and his family navigate this difficult journey. Whether through donations, visits, or heartfelt messages, you can be part of Anthony’s Wall of Love. Let’s come together to help Anthony focus on healing and to remind him that he is not alone in this fight.

Family and friends of Anthony Mead are raising money for the nonprofit Help Hope Live to fund uninsured medical expenses associated with transplantation.

Anthony has chosen to fundraise for Help Hope Live in part because Help Hope Live assures fiscal accountability of funds raised and tax deductibility for contributors. Contributors can be sure donations will be used to pay or reimburse medical and related expenses. To make a tax-deductible donation to this fundraising campaign, click on the Give button.

For more information, please contact Help Hope Live at 800.642.8399.

Thank you for your support!