A New Heart for Maria

When you think of true love, it’s hard not to picture Tom and Maria Stramel. Dating since they were 13, Tom and Maria have built an incredibly special and full life, raising three children, six grandchildren (soon to be eight!) and many rescue pups. They were often the house the other neighborhood kids wanted to visit, and they have always been the first to step  up to help others and to do what it takes to make their families and dear friends happy and safe. Now, they need our help. As many of you know, Maria was born with a rare condition called hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, which means the muscle of the heart is abnormally thick. After many years of complications and a few recent failed procedures to try to strengthen her heart, Maria’s doctors have decided she is in need of a full heart transplant. She is currently struggling to stabilize in the hospital, and as soon as she’s strong enough, both mentally and physically, she will be transferred to University of Chicago to await a heart and undergo the surgery.  At the young age of 57, Maria still has a long life ahead of her, spending time with her husband, children, adoring grandchildren and family who love her so much. A  new heart will make all of this possible. Throughout everything, Tom has been by her side night and day. We are raising money to pay an enormous amont of current and future hospital and care bills, and to ensure Tom can pay all bills due to being unable to work as many hours in order to be with and support Maria. If this were any of us, Tom and Maria’s friends and family, going through a time like this, they would do whatever they could to support. Please consider supporting them in their time of need! Any amount of money helps, and if you aren’t able to give financially, please give with your prayers for strength for them both. Thank you in advance and we love you!