Dana's Loeys-Dietz Heart Surgery
Donation protected
Hello,
My name is Dana. I am a 31 year old female who lives in Roanoke, VA. I suffer from a very rare, connective tissue disorder called Loeys-Dietz Syndrome. This condition affects the entire body's tissues, such as: Heart, Lungs, Arteries, Veins, even the Brain. It can also come with complications such as Club Feet, Translucent Skin, Cleft Pallet as well as other things. You can find more information about LDS here: LDS Foundation.
The primary area that I am affected is my Heart. LDS has caused my Aortic Root & Valve (The main artery and valve to the heart) to enlarge to the point that I am in desperate need of surgery to correct the problem. The type of surgery that is required is a special type of Open Heart Surgery which requires a specialist is Cardio-Thoracic Surgery.
Luckily I have found a facility in Richmond, VA that is able to and will perform the special surgery that I need; however, this procedure is very expensive. The expected date of my surgery would be sometime in March of 2016 which leaves barely 1/3 of a year to come up with the money to pay for it.
My husband, James and I aren't rich, but we're happy with each other and have come to terms with what we've been presented. We've discussed our options and are prepared for what may come, but we simply do not have $10,000 available for my surgery. Neither of us has ever asked anyone for anything and we've always been content with what we have, especially each other.
I cannot explain the overwhelming emotions I have felt throughout this journey. Happiness in knowing that I have my husband to stand beside me, the deep sadness that I feel I'm "too young" for Open Heart Surgery, the shame of not being able to pay for my own services and the immeasurable blow to my pride, knowing that I may have to reach out to others for help or assistance. But I cannot let any of these feelings prevent me from doing what is right. I have been forced to choose my own destiny and as such, I am choosing to live.
That is why we decided to reach out for support during this rough time in our lives. We've come to GoFundMe as a hesitant, but necessary route for assistance. Any and all funds raised would be used directly for my surgery and anything left over after the price of surgery we would donate directly to the LDS Foundation in hopes that we can also make a difference in someone else's struggle with this aggressive Syndrome.
Believe me when I tell you that any and all donations that are received would have my deepest, honest and most sincere gratitude. I can not put into words how grateful that I am to have been given this life and how thankful that I am to have places like GoFundMe set up for the needs of others, including myself.
Thank you all who chose to read this. I appreciate your time and consideration. And a very BIG Thank You - to all that have chosen to assist me with my cause. There is a special place in my heart for each of you.
~Bless You All,
Dana
My name is Dana. I am a 31 year old female who lives in Roanoke, VA. I suffer from a very rare, connective tissue disorder called Loeys-Dietz Syndrome. This condition affects the entire body's tissues, such as: Heart, Lungs, Arteries, Veins, even the Brain. It can also come with complications such as Club Feet, Translucent Skin, Cleft Pallet as well as other things. You can find more information about LDS here: LDS Foundation.
The primary area that I am affected is my Heart. LDS has caused my Aortic Root & Valve (The main artery and valve to the heart) to enlarge to the point that I am in desperate need of surgery to correct the problem. The type of surgery that is required is a special type of Open Heart Surgery which requires a specialist is Cardio-Thoracic Surgery.
Luckily I have found a facility in Richmond, VA that is able to and will perform the special surgery that I need; however, this procedure is very expensive. The expected date of my surgery would be sometime in March of 2016 which leaves barely 1/3 of a year to come up with the money to pay for it.
My husband, James and I aren't rich, but we're happy with each other and have come to terms with what we've been presented. We've discussed our options and are prepared for what may come, but we simply do not have $10,000 available for my surgery. Neither of us has ever asked anyone for anything and we've always been content with what we have, especially each other.
I cannot explain the overwhelming emotions I have felt throughout this journey. Happiness in knowing that I have my husband to stand beside me, the deep sadness that I feel I'm "too young" for Open Heart Surgery, the shame of not being able to pay for my own services and the immeasurable blow to my pride, knowing that I may have to reach out to others for help or assistance. But I cannot let any of these feelings prevent me from doing what is right. I have been forced to choose my own destiny and as such, I am choosing to live.
That is why we decided to reach out for support during this rough time in our lives. We've come to GoFundMe as a hesitant, but necessary route for assistance. Any and all funds raised would be used directly for my surgery and anything left over after the price of surgery we would donate directly to the LDS Foundation in hopes that we can also make a difference in someone else's struggle with this aggressive Syndrome.
Believe me when I tell you that any and all donations that are received would have my deepest, honest and most sincere gratitude. I can not put into words how grateful that I am to have been given this life and how thankful that I am to have places like GoFundMe set up for the needs of others, including myself.
Thank you all who chose to read this. I appreciate your time and consideration. And a very BIG Thank You - to all that have chosen to assist me with my cause. There is a special place in my heart for each of you.
~Bless You All,
Dana
Organizer
Dana Miller
Organizer
Roanoke, VA
