Joseph Amore

Help Hope Live Fundraiser in Honor of Joseph Amore

My name is Joseph Amore, and I am writing to share my story and humbly ask for your support. On July 29, 2025, I received the gift of life—a heart transplant at Baylor Scott & White University Hospital in Dallas, TX. While I am deeply grateful for this second chance, the journey has brought significant medical and financial challenges.

My family and friends are raising money through the nonprofit Help Hope Live to cover uninsured medical expenses. Donations are tax-deductible and will only be used for medical and related needs.

My Journey

My story began in November 2015, when I was diagnosed with severe cardiomyopathy, a disease that weakens the heart muscle and makes it harder to pump blood. At the time, my ejection fraction—a measure of how well the heart pumps—was just 20%, a level that indicates heart failure.

Within weeks, I had an implantable defibrillator/pacemaker placed, which raised my ejection fraction slightly but never beyond 30–35%. Because of the physical limits that followed, I could not return to my work as a Mental Health Technician and Chaplain at Turning Point Hospital in Moultrie, GA. I was placed on disability.

Still, I refused to let my illness define me. My wife, Donna, and I pursued training in Christian Counseling and launched Love Endures Ministries, offering biblical counseling for individuals, marriages, and relationships. Our church, Lifespring Community Church, gave us space to meet with clients, and I also served as a volunteer chaplain with the Moultrie Police Department. Even with health challenges, I stayed committed to ministry and community service.

Decline in Health

For nearly a decade, I managed my condition. But in late 2024, my health began to decline rapidly. I had multiple ER visits and hospitalizations for fluid buildup around my heart, shortness of breath, and fatigue.

By spring 2025, after our move to McKinney, TX to be closer to our son and granddaughters, things worsened. Walking even short distances left me gasping for air, and I often had to sleep upright in a recliner because breathing had become so difficult.

On July 12, 2025, I was admitted once again—my fifth hospitalization since November 2024. After extensive testing, doctors told me what I already feared: medications and procedures could no longer help. My only chance at survival was a heart transplant.

A Second Chance at Life

I was evaluated immediately by a full transplant team—cardiologists, surgeons, case managers, social workers, and more. Within five days, I was officially placed on the transplant list.

Miraculously, just three days later, a matching heart became available. On July 29, 2025, at 10:30 p.m., I underwent transplant surgery at Baylor Scott & White University Hospital in Dallas. The procedure was successful, and after 33 days in the hospital, I was discharged to continue recovery at home.

This transplant has truly given me a second chance at life.

Why I Need Your Help

Even with insurance, the costs of recovery are overwhelming. Your support will help cover:

Insurance premiums, deductibles, and copays

Transplant medications and follow-up care

Hospital and doctor fees not fully covered by insurance

Transportation to Dallas for frequent appointments and labs

Meals and lodging during medical travel

Outpatient physical therapy and rehab expenses

Emergency help with basic living costs (mortgage, utilities)

Disposable medical equipment and supplies

Looking Forward

This gift of life has given me hope for the future. I am now pursuing training in bookkeeping and tax preparation so I can work remotely, and I plan to continue offering biblical counseling through our ministry. Most importantly, I want to spend more time with my wife, our son, and our two granddaughters—and to stay active in church and community life.

I have been blessed with a new heart, and I intend to live this life fully.

 How You Can Help

You can support me by making a donation to Help Hope Live in my honor. Every contribution—large or small—makes a difference. Please also consider sharing my story with your friends, family, and on social media.

From the bottom of my (new!) heart, thank you for your prayers, encouragement, and generosity.

With gratitude,

Joseph Amore