Bruce Walker, heart and kidney transplant expenses

Sometimes horrible things happen to wonderful people This is one of those times, and your help is really needed. Debbie and Bruce Walker, have reluctantly allowed us to ask for help on their behalf, lets show them it was worth it !!! In a world where so many people get wrapped up in themselves, there are still a few individuals like Bruce Walker. He has spent his life showing others what dedication and service means. Bruce has faithfully given his time for the past 33 years as a member and current Asst. Chief of the Cheesequake Volunteer Fire Company and as a volunteer, fundraiser, and supporter to those who require an extra pair of "hands on anything." In 2008, Bruce attended a funeral for a US Air Force Veteran. He was shocked to see that the military had to use an electronic bugle at the service, so he took it upon himself to learn to play the bugle and volunteered to perform at any type of proceedings for any veteran by becoming a member of Bugles Across America and bestowing a final honor to those who once served our great nation!! As of late, this husband, father and grandfather was hit with some major health challenges. In 2016 he underwent quadruple bypass surgery. Complications arose over the years and he was eventually diagnosed with irreversible heart failure. This additional strain on his body has also contributed to his kidneys failing. In 2020 Bruce and Debbie, his wife of 45 years, were informed that a dual heart/kidney transplant would be his best shot of having a longer and better quality of life along with continued good health and comfort. As a result, they have had to travel repeatedly to New York and Los Angeles in order to be listed as a recipient for this life saving procedure. He has waited over two years for his transplant to happen. The financial burden on him and his family has been and will continue to be enormous. Loss of income, travel expenses and unreimbursed medical bills, it is hard to fully comprehend the dire situation they now find themselves in. Bruce finally received his transplants but has been in the hospital for over 2 months post-surgery and the expenses and costs have been mounting. Since the surgery, Debbie has continually put in 12-16 hour days traveling to and from NYU. This travel and Debbie’s inability to work, in order to be a support to her husband, has added overwhelmingly to the financial burden of the family. Debbie, who is an avid pickleball player, tries to gather with her friends from the OLD BRIDGE PICKLEBALL CREW to unwind and destress, on the rare occasions that she is home in time to join her friends who play at 7PM. Debbie along with the Old Bridge Town Council and Mayor Owen Henry were instrumental with getting 2 tennis courts converted into 4 pickleball courts at the Municipal Center. She was also a driving force in getting the five new pickleball courts at Mannino Park which have become quite popular and are now being used and enjoyed by many, from various townships, daily. If you personally know Debbie and/or Bruce, play pickleball, if you are or know a volunteer firefighter, please do all you can to help.

Thanks in advance,
Bruce and Sharon Mineroff