Rivean Riley

My husband Rivean is in need of a heart and kidney transplant.

Rivean’s health issues started as a teenager when his kidneys failed and he required extended hospitalization and dialysis. Although he was told he would be on dialysis for the rest of his life, he was able to make a full recover and live a normal, full life. He worked extensively in conservation for the Bahamas Environmental Research Center and Forfar field station on Andros Island, his home. Eventually he attended Hocking College in Ohio and returned home to work for the Bahamas National Trust and served as a local councilmen in Staniard Creek. His enthusiasm and passion for Andros are known to all, as is his famous smile!

In 2018, Rivean developed swelling, abdominal pain and difficulty breathing. After many hospital trips, he was eventually diagnosed with cardiomyopathy, congestive heart failure, and chronic kidney disease. Since that time his disease has progressed and he has encountered many other health issues along the way. He has had to give up many of the activities that he once enjoyed, most notably, spending time in the outdoors.

Despite this he has remained a dedicated husband and father to our four children: Kayla (18), Alyssa (17), Emma (12) and RJ (10). He shows up to orchestra concerts, football games, cheer events and school award ceremonies. He continued to work full time as a team leader in marine construction, and missed work only for medical appointments.

In July of this year Rivean came under the expert care of the Mayo Clinic in Jacksonville, 2 1/2 hours away from our home. We wanted a second opinion and when the team mentioned transplant, we were floored, but it soon became clear that he was being given another chance at a full life.

Things have progressed a lot quicker than we expected, and as of Tuesday, December 5th he was admitted to the Mayo for advanced heart and kidney failure with an ejection fraction of only 10-15%. He required insertion of the Impella pump, which is a temporary mechanical device that will help his heart until he has a match. On December 8th, he was officially listed on UNOS for heart transplant as a Status 2.

Rivean also requires a kidney, however his team has determined that it is too risky to attempt a dual heart-kidney transplant, so this will happen down the road.

With this campaign in his honor, we are hoping to help cover the expenses to come, including non-insured medical expenses, travel of the family to and from Jacksonville, and eventually housing for 3 months in the area as he will require therapy, close monitoring and weekly biopsies. I (Shannon) am planning to be there with him in the first months, which will exhaust my paid work leave during this time and we will be required to cover insurance premiums out of pocket.

His team has been clear that he might require dialysis following his transplant, and a potential kidney transplant a few months following may extend his time at Mayo.

Rivean has chosen to fundraise for Help Hope Live in part because Help Hope Live assures fiscal accountability of funds raised and tax deductibility for contributors. Contributors can be sure donations will be used to pay or reimburse medical and related expenses. To make a tax-deductible donation to this fundraising campaign, click on the Give button.

For more information, please contact Help Hope Live at 800.642.8399.

Thank you for your support!

-Shannon