James Robertson

Jim Robertson suffered his first major heart attack in 2009, while working as chief pilot with American Airlines. He subsequently had six more heart attacks and thirteen heart operations over the course of 5 years. In May of 2015, Jim was surgically hooked up to an LVAD machine, or a device that pumped his blood and replaced his heart temporarily. It was at this time that Jim’s cardiologist informed him that in order to survive much longer, Jim would soon need a new heart, or a heart transplant. Jim was blessed with the telephone call that would save his life — on December 3rd, 2015 Jim received the gift of life through a successful heart transplant. He is now recovering in the ICU at Tufts University Medical Center in Boston, and looking forward to a quick recovery and new lease on life!

Jim is a U.S. Air Force Veteran and served his country for many years. He worked hard in a career as a commercial airline pilot for 20 years, and pursued his passion as an accomplished drummer. Jim has a tremendous amount of hope and will to survive, despite his health obstacles and unfortunate circumstances. Jim was married to his wife Wanda for many years, but she tragically passed away very unexpectedly and suddenly in August of 2014. Jim and Wanda’s two loving and supportive grown children (Cassie and James) are the love of his life, and Jim is committed to regaining his health to be able to spend as much time as possible with his family. But Jim desperately needs your help!

Jim is loved by so many for his generous spirit and wonderful sense of humor despite all his challenges! However, the cost of Jim’s heart transplant and out-of-pocket medical expenses has been overwhelming. Co-pays and deductibles, medical bills, health insurance premiums, doctor’s appointments, living expenses, and both travel and lodging fees are quickly adding up to more than Jim can handle alone. Jim will be required to attend out-patient therapies, rehabilitation and take costly post-transplant medications to halt rejection of his new heart. Jim will need these medications for the rest of his life, and while he is out of work recovering from his surgery, his expenses are quickly adding up. Jim needs your financial help!

To help with this financial burden, a fundraising campaign in Jim’s honor has been established with HelpHOPELive, a trusted nonprofit organization that has been providing community-based fundraising guidance to patients and their families for more than 30 years. All donations are tax-deductible, are held by HelpHOPELive in the Northeast Heart Transplant Fund, and are administered by HelpHOPELive for transplant-related expenses only. James 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 yellow Donate Now button. For more information, please contact HelpHOPELive at 800.642.8399.

Thank you ahead of time for your generosity and assistance during this difficult time for Jim. Please keep him in your thoughts and prayers during his days, weeks and months following his transplant. Any donation amount, no matter how big or how small, is truly a gift and one step closer to a successful outcome for Jim!

Gratefully,

Jim’s loving family