Heath Battrell

Heath (on left) entered end stage renal failure for the second time in 2008. After undergoing two years of dialysis, he received a life-saving kidney from his brother, Morgan (right). Now, both brothers need your help.

Heath received his first kidney, from his step-Dad, in December 2001. After two heart attacks, three angioplasties, and numerous other assaults on the transplant, it became necessary to place Heath on dialysis. In January 2011, the transplanted kidney was removed. Since we like to keep things in the family, Heath’s brother, Morgan volunteered to be the second donor. The transplant was a success!!

However, Heath was on a different insurance plan at the time of the first transplant; as a family, we were unaware of the prohibitive costs that would arise this time. In April 2011, Heath was forced onto Medicare; his medication co-payments are extremely high, and there are premiums for Parts B and D, as well as a supplemental plan. He currently takes 23 different medicines, all vital to sustaining his life. Newlyweds, Heath and Stephanie, are in desperate need of assistance, assistance the family alone cannot supply.

Additionally, and quite unexpectedly, Morgan is suffering from a rare (0.5%) complication, a lymph leak. Ironically, this particular complication is only seen in young, healthy males; and as a marathon-runner, Morgan was extremely healthy. He was hospitalized twice in March; Heath constantly at his side in spite of concerns about his own health. As of this writing, Morgan remains unable to return to work, and is receiving his nutrients via an IV line in his chest; surgery may be needed. His living expenses and travel costs (from his home in Indiana to Christ Hospital in Cincinnati) have become a major concern.

It’s never easy to ask for assistance, but the health and welfare of the Battrell Brothers is a difficult challenge and they need your help. Your financial gifts and prayers will be greatly appreciated.

Family and friends of Heath Battrell are raising money to pay for uninsured medical expenses associated with transplantation.

Heath has chosen to fundraise with HelpHOPELive – The Leader in Fundraising Assistance and Support for Transplant and Catastrophic Injury in part because HelpHOPELive provides both tax-deductibility and fiscal accountability to contributors. Contributors can be sure that funds contributed will be used only to pay or reimburse medically-related expenses. For more information, please contact HelpHOPELive at 800-642-8399.

Thanks for your support!