On Christmas Day 2023, my routine started out as normal. I prepared for the day like I always do but as the day went on, I began to have chest pains. Since I never experienced pain like this before and I had been pretty healthy (so I thought), I figured that it would pass. However, over the next couple of days, the pain increased and became so intense, that it felt like someone or something was kicking me in my chest. I called 9-1-1 on December 28th and was transported to the hospital by the ambulance. I was examined, evaluated and tests were run. I learned that I had a heart attack and that my arteries were blocked. I also learned that my blood sugar was seriously high and over 600.

The doctor(s) informed me that I needed a stent placement to restore the blood flow to my heart without open heart surgery; which was scheduled the next day and was described as a fairly simple procedure.

Unfortunately, the procedure was not able to be performed because the medical team discovered that not only were my arteries blocked but they doctor(s) informed me that 3 out of 4 of my arteries showed 75% of blockage, which required me to be scheduled for triple bypass heart surgery. It was also confirmed that I have sleep apnea and I was told that I am diabetic. I was rendered speechless and in disbelief of how I have absolutely no control over anything and my health has changed overnight.

I have remained on the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) and was scheduled for triple bypass heart surgery on January 2nd and am still in the hospital.

Keep in mind, I live over 3 hours away from my immediate family, in Grand Rapids, Michigan but my Mom and family were able to travel and support me while I have been in the hospital and arranged to stay a few days during my surgery and have been very supportive.

I have been working for myself most of my life and have never had a “traditional” job and or insurance that would offer medical/disability compensation and financial support to help me with any expenses while I get better.

I have been thinking and trying to come up with a plan-any plan but I don’t know how I am going to manage and was told that I will have a long road to recovery and will not be able to return to my business for at least 6 months to 1-year because I work with granite and building materials that weigh hundreds of pounds; and I will not be able to lift any weight-even with help. I have been working independently and despite some hurdles, I have been proud to have been able to run my own business.

To be honest, I am not sure if I will be able to continue my business, even after I get better. There are a lot of things that I realize that I need to change and work on. I have had time since I got sick to really do some soul searching and praying. It’s something, how this has caused me to fall on my knees and thank God for sparing my life.

I have my family and my Mother, who all work but truthfully, make just enough money to support themselves and don’t have any extra income to extend to me without jeopardizing their own bills and mortgage payments.

I realize that although I have family, I am on my own. I have to admit that I feel worried and I am afraid about my future but know that I have to figure something out.

Because I work for myself, all of my bills, rent and expenses fall on me. I do not know what I am going to do and was encouraged to request help starting this Go Fund Me to ask for assistance while I recover and get better and ask for help.

I am humbly requesting any financial donation that you can find in your heart to give and pay forward, so that I can try to recover and not have to worry so much as I make plans and unforeseen changes that will forever impact my future.

With any financial help that I am able to receive from any donations sent to Go Fund Me, I plan to use the proceeds toward paying rent-to avoid being evicted and until I can work out arrangements to move, buy groceries, pay utilities, pay to maintain my cellphone and buy gas, to be able to maintain my car, so that I can have reliable transportation to all future medical appointments and having the ability to securely travel as my health improves.

I am asking for any support that you are willing to give. I am also asking that you keep me in your thoughts and prayers as I work to recover.

Thank you in Advance,

Eddie