Erin Grimm

Erin Grimm is a 37-year-old woman who has had a lifesaving heart and liver transplant, Valentine’s Day weekend in 2016.

Having several complex congenital heart defects (CHD’s) Erin had several surgeries in her childhood, one of them being the Fontan. Her Fontan surgery re-routed her circulatory system and allowed her body to function with one working ventricle, but her Fontan failed therefore it caused issues for her heart and liver. Erin has never defined herself as medically fragile, though she was physically limited throughout her childhood; instead Erin focused on becoming the kindest, most compassionate, and well-rounded individual that she could be.

There is no one like Erin, she smiles through everything, and uses her sense of humor to cope with every situation that she endures health-wise. Erin has lived in Virginia for most of her life, and she grew up in Springfield. She now resides in West Virginia, where she is now able to live on her own but her parents are very close. Erin loves to read, write (she’s currently working on a several books), she loves to blog, cook, and when she’s healthy she enjoys being in nature.

Erin’s parents are phenomenal and have supported her since the moment she was born, so together with her entire family, and a bunch of wonderful friends her support system has gotten her through such a life changing experience.

The double-organ transplant was extremely expensive, and there are many financial factors even if Erin is insured. Erin’s transplant hospital which is her aftercare hospital is 3 ½ hours from her home, so she had to stay in the hospital until transplant. She stayed 81 days before being transplanted.

Even with her aftercare, Erin and some of her family can stay at the Gift of Life Transplant house, but if it’s full, they would be at a hotel with a discounted rate. Her support system has to help her travel for follow-up care; Erin also needs help with co-pays, medication co-pays (her heart medications and then the anti-rejection medications could range upwards of $1000 monthly since it is two organs), there are also so many more expenses because this is a dual transplant, and her physical health has worsened since transplant even though her heart and liver are functioning perfectly.

She’s adjusted very well to enduring all she has, and is mentally and physically the best she’s been since her transplant. She will always have a long haul, but she is determined to make it the longest haul she possibly can.

We ask that even if you can’t donate you do continue to pray and please sign the Guest Book, because these encouraging words help throughout this journey!

Thank you for your prayers, your support, and also the generosity. They are so appreciated!

Gratefully,

Jeff and Crystal Grimm (Dad and Mom)
(and of course Erin)

UPDATE: Erin received her heart and liver transplant Valentine’s Day weekend of 2016. After many months of complications including a bowel blockage, bleeding ulcers, a collapsed lung, a tracheotomy, blood clots, and muscle atrophy meaning she had to go to a physical and occupational rehabilitation facility. Erin was released and was able to finally travel back home June 1st, 2016.

In October of 2016 she was diagnosed with C-Diff, Acute Renal Failure, and Stage 1 Chronic Kidney Disease.

In July 2017 she had an episode of hemoptysis, meaning she coughed up blood. A hospital stay proved this was to be monitored.

Since the transplant she’s been diagnosed with:

Diabetes
Fibromyalgia
Stage 2 Lymphedema
Stage 3 Chronic Kidney Disease
Gout
Hernia Repair (2018)

Erin has chosen to fundraise with HelpHOPELive in part because HelpHOPELive assures fiscal accountability of funds raised and tax deductibility for donors. Donors can be sure that funds donated will be used only to pay or reimburse medically-related expenses. To make a tax-deductible donation to this fundraising campaign, click on the Donate Now button.

For more information, please contact HelpHOPELive at 800.642.8399.

Thank you for your support!

Bio will be updated soon because I’m moving!!