Ron Lawrence

I am writing this letter to ask for prayers and support for my husband, Ron Lawrence. Ron is a loving husband, wonderful father, and devoted son. He loves to tease his grandchildren whom he loves dearly.

Ron has always worked hard to support his family but in 1990, he developed heart disease. Since then he has had multiple heart attacks, pulmonary embolisms and other heart related problems. In August, 2012, he was referred to the Philadelphia University of Penn Hospital. Ron was to have an ablation in March 2013 but crashed on the table so his doctors decided he needed to have the ablation and a LVAD implanted at the same time. Ron underwent this procedure in May, 2013 but only a few months later his LVAD developed a blood clot in the pump. He was rushed into surgery to replace the pump but doctors decided the only option left for Ron is to have a lifesaving heart transplant. He was put on the list. We are waiting for that call at any time.

But we need your help! The cost of transplant surgery itself is staggering. The cost of survival is even more expensive. Post-transplant medication alone will be from $2000 to $3000 a month. He will have to take these medications for the rest of his life. Yes, he has insurance but the copays and deductibles will still be several thousand dollars a month. Ron needs me as a caregiver to be home with him at all times making it impossible for me to work. I quit in June 2013 when he came home from the hospital and doctors instructed us that he cannot be left alone. This has decreased our income drastically.

Due to the astronomical expenses associated with heart transplantation, a fundraising campaign in Ron’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 a donation today.

Thank you in advance for your consideration in our desperate attempt to give Ron a second chance at life; a second chance to see his grandchildren grow up; a second chance to grow old with his wife Pat.

Ron and I thank you for your generosity, support and all your prayers.

Patricia Lawrence (717 225 1762)