Margie Funk

Dear Friends and Family,

I am writing to ask for your prayers and support for my wife, Margie Funk. In January of this year, Margie had a nearly catastrophic heart attack. Her life was saved through the emergency placement of a stent in the left side of her heart. As a result, her heart function was severely diminished and has continued to degrade throughout this year. I am happy to report that Margie has recently received another life-saving operation. Doctors at Allegheny General Hospital have implanted a heart pump (Left Ventricular Assist Device) to do the job that her heart is no longer able to do. I am so grateful for all of the life-extending care that she has received, however, the VAD is only a temporary solution. Margie needs a heart transplant.

As most of you know, Margie worked full-time as a registered nurse up until her heart attack in January. The lack of this income has been a strain for our family. Although Margie has insurance, the costs associated with her survival are overwhelming. The cost of care required as she carries the VAD is significant yet the cost of care following a heart transplant will be staggering. Post transplant medications alone will be close to $6,000 a month initially and will remain costly for the rest of Margie’s life.

To help alleviate the financial burden of heart transplantation, a fundraising campaign in Margie’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 donation today.

Margie and I have raised five wonderful children who have given us ten terrific grandchildren. Margie’s fervent hope is to be able to watch her grandchildren grow up. Please be generous with your prayers and contributions to help us through this difficult time.

Thank you and God bless,

Kenneth L. Funk and
Shoshanna Palmer (Margie and Ken’s daughter)
814-207-6187
[email protected]