Bob Waldron

Help Bob Get His Heart Transplant

I am writing on behalf of my husband, Bob Waldron. In 2008, the mitral valve in his heart failed causing the heart to become overworked. Bob had a valve repair and quad bypass however the damage to his heart was very severe. After many hospitalizations for congestive heart failure Bob had surgery again in 2010 to put in an automated implantable cardioverter defibrillator. His condition worsened and he experienced many more hospitalizations. In December 2013, Bob suffered flash pulmonary edema. His heart was no longer strong enough to even keep him out of congestive heart failure and his doctors implanted a left ventricle assist device. This is a temporary fix; Bob’s only chance for survival is a heart transplant.

Bob has spent his life volunteering, and serving his God and community. He has been a Boy Scout leader for 35 years, coached many youth sport teams, served in many positions in his service to God and he is a volunteer firefighter. As ill as he is, Bob has aspirations to eventually volunteer at the Heinz History Center here in Pittsburgh.

Even with insurance, the cost of the transplant surgery is staggering. The cost of survival is even more expensive; the post-transplant medications that Bob will have to take for the rest of his life could be $4,000 a month depending on the medications prescribed.

Due to the astronomical expenses associated with heart transplantation, a fundraising campaign in Bob’s honor has been established with HelpHOPELive, a nonprofit organization that has been assisting the transplant community for 30 years. All donations are tax-deductible, are held by HelpHOPELive in the Mid-Atlantic Heart Transplant Fund, and are administered by HelpHOPELive for transplant-related expenses only. Please consider making a tax-deductible contribution.

Thank you for your consideration in our desperate attempt to give Bob a second chance at life. Bob, I and our children thank you for your generosity, support and prayers.

Karen Waldron, 412-689-5064