A Heart Transplant for Charley

In the fall of 2000 Charley was informed that he had severe dilated cardiomyopathy, resulting in congestive heart failure. This was caused by a virus with symptoms so slight, no one would have thought it necessary to see a doctor, and since there was no blockage, his only option was medication. He could expect to live maybe another five years. He participated in a study when he received his first ICD, which gave him the best technology available at the time. The defibrillator saved his life several times. In fact he wore it out and received his second ICD in 2010. This one has never fired, but as his heart weakened he gradually became dependent on the pacemaker. After one cardioversion , two ablations and increasingly dangerous and expensive medications, his only option now is a new heart. He has been accepted for transplant, but hearts are scarce, and a mechanical heart may be the next option. Either way, a transplant will require maintaining two households during a two to four month stay near the transplant facility (probably Loma Linda, CA although he is also in the process of finishing the testing requirements for the Tucson, AZ transplant center) and a full time caregiver (me) who must be available 24/7, which will eliminate any possibility of a job. Please help me keep him alive.