Disabled Teacher Needs a New Heart

In the summer of 2016, I was diagnosed with Sarcoidosis, a rare auto-immune deficiency.  I have already been battling CHF (Congestive Heart Failure) for the past 4 years, and because of the sarcoid, my heart is in bad shape.

  I am in desperate need of a new heart.  However, my doctors are now saying that my heart is in such bad condition that I am going to have to get an LVAD (Left Ventricular Assist Device) to keep me alive, before I can get a heart transplant.

  Because of the sarcoid, I am at risk for many complications during the LVAD procedure (which is almost the same as a heart transplant).  Therefore, my husband will have to take off work for weeks as I recover - they say I'll be in the hospital for at least a month.  Then, we'll have to hire a home health care nurse to be with me 24/7 for a month after the surgery until I can begin moving around on my own.  My husband has no vacation time, so he won't be getting paid when he's with me, and the nurse is going to be expensive, even with insurance.  Plus, we will also need money to cover the costs of getting to the Cleveland Clinic once I've healed from the LVAD surgery so they can help me with treatments for the sarcoid.  Then, I will be able to be put on the transplant list.

  As a school teacher, I always wanted to be an example that no matter how bad things get, you can find the strength to move forward, it's okay to ask for help when you need it, and most importantly, encourage others through your own actions as you go through trials.  I am able to continue my fight through your generosity.  Thank you.  I pray that it comes back to you 10-fold.  Many blessings to you!