Anthonys' Heart Surgery

This page is for my older brother Anthony (pictured on the right, with myself and our younger brother). He is 28 years old and was born with a congenital heart disease called aortic stenosis. This condition is one in which his aortic heart valve that is supposed to be a tricuspid valve was formed as a bicuspid valve. Although we always knew Anthony would eventually have to have heart surgery in his life, a tooth ache gone bad drained into his heart and destroyed his aortic heart valve. Anthony was admitted to the hospital on January 16, 2014 and has since been in there. The doctors thought they had Anthonys' infection under control initially, so they chose to delay the heart surgery. Their assumptions were wrong and the damage in his heart increased, forming a hole in Anthonys' heart. On Sunday, February 2, 2014, Anthony had an emergency open heart surgery to replace his bad valve and the hole in his heart. While the doctor was inside they realized Anthony had four abscesses inside and on his heart. One of those abscesses and the hole in his heart destroyed his heart beat and at the young age of 28, Anthony recieved a pacemaker. Just this morning, Tuesday, February 18, Anthony had a Transesophagael echocardiogram and during the procedure his pacemaker stopped and he flat lined. The doctors were able to revive him but they discovered that his mitral valve is now bad and they need to do an emergency open heart surgery within the next 12 hours. He is to be airlifted to another hospital within the next few hours and another heart surgery will commence. Anthony is a single father to three children at the moment. Anthonys' mother, myself, our younger brother and our stepfather have all been trading schedules, and diligently working to ensure his children are unaffected, not afraid and that they can still maintain a regular daily schedule while their father is fighting for his life. I was apprehensive to write on this website for help but Anthony is now in critical condition and we are praying hard every minute that he survives and his heart is strong enough to endure this next procedure. I am asking for everyone to look in your heart and help this young father and his children through this tough time in their lives. Right now it seems that Anthony will not be able to go back to his profession as a roofer and his life will forever be changed. Anything and everything is greatly appreciated and if nothing more, just pray for him as much as you possibly can. Updates will come as they are avaiable. Thank you very much for your kind heart and considerations!