Hi, my name is Carrie (Keith and Denise's oldest daughter). I'm fundraising for my parents/family. My dad went into the hospital three weeks ago unexpectedly with difficulty breathing, and he had pneumonia, fluid on his heart and lungs and bacteria in his blood. The doctors and nurses worked hard to get him stable and healthy again. He was on oxygen machines and a lot of different antibiotics. The doctors did a procedure to remove fluid from his lungs, leaving him feeling much better. Unfortunately, two days later, he was having trouble breathing again, his heart started racing and his lungs were filling with fluid again. A couple more scans and ultrasounds later, they discovered his Aorta valve was not working correctly, causing blood to back up into his lungs. We then found out he would have to undergo open-heart surgery. Before they could schedule his open-heart surgery, the doctors and nurses tried to get his oxygen under control and his heart rate regulated. A couple of days later, he was able to have his open-heart surgery (6/06) He is still in recovery and doing great. My dad is such a strong and tough guy. He has made us so proud with how he has handled all these obstacles and recovery!

I'm reaching out to family and friends in hopes we can raise money for my family. My dad is the main provider for the family (I have 3 sisters at home still living with my parents) He does NOT have medical insurance and will be out of work for a minimum 4 - 6 months. All donations would go to helping them out with their household bills and groceries. My parents are unaware we are doing this for them and I know they would be greatly appreciative!