Barbara Cole Medical Fund

Dear Friends and Family,

Many of you may already be aware that on June 8, 2016, Barbara was taken to the emergency room after experiencing a heart attack. The next day she was transferred to a trauma center where test results revealed her heart was operating at less than 20% percent. She underwent an emergency cardiac catheterization-angioplasty to remove several blood clots that were blocking the base of her main heart artery.

Since her release from the hospital, Barbara’s lifestyle has completely changed. “For someone who has never been ill, to fall to such a tragedy as a heart attack is life changing,” said Barbara. “I remember coming home with the Life Vest heart monitor fitting snug around my chest, thinking that THIS is real.” In that moment Barbara's once active lifestyle come to a halt and she would have to decide how she would move forward. 

Not only has she had to embrace a new lifestyle that includes, managing stress, exercise, balancing medication, but her life now would include, attending doctor and cardiac rehabilitation appointments several times a week, and taking medication to increase the blood flow through her heart. 

Due to the high rate deductible insurance plan that is provided by her employer, Barbara must pay $6000 out of pocket in order to have only a small portion of her medical bills paid for. This catastrophic life-changing event has resulted in Barbara taking a six month medical leave of absence with no pay and medical debt  (now over $100,000) that continues to grow daily.

The Cole family is asking you to assist us in raising $7,500.00.  This would help her meet the portion of her deductible that has not been paid as well as provide some living expenses until she is able to return to work. For Barbara “reaching my goal would be a bridge to help me fully recover and an answer to my prayer.”  Please consider making a donation to help meet her goal. This will allow Barbara to continue to fully focus on her recovery. 

The Cole Family



About Barbara: 


Barbara spent 29 years of her life giving to others, as a counselor serving victims of domestic violence, and providing family support to underserved populations as a family advocate. She continues to give back to others, working in the field of special education, teaching alternative behavioral options that will allow students with intellectual disabilities, academic and behavioral challenges to return to their districts and mainstream classrooms. 

Barbara has been married to her childhood sweetheart, Bryan Cole, better known as “One Heart Beat” for over 40 years.  They have three adult children, one daughter living with her husband in the St. Louis metro area and a son & daughter both living in Minneapolis with their darling grandson.

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