This is my brother, Dwayne Culp.  At 15 years old, he was diagnosed with a rare disease called Kawasaki Disease which usually affects much younger children but nevertheless causes tremendous damage to the heart over time.  Back then there had not been enough research done to know that this would be a debilitating lifelong disease which would cause him to be in and out of the hospital for years to come.

In 2003, things really began to change for Dwayne when he had his first heart attack at 30 years old. Unbeknownst to him and the rest of our family, his health would appear to improve for the next couple of years allowing him to lead a lively and fulfilling life. However, in 2015, he had his 2nd heart attack followed in 2016 with his 3rd heart attack, 2017 his 4th heart attack and in 2018 (after collapsing and falling through his coffee table) he had his 5th heart attack and died. His wife Brittany performed CPR until the paramedics arrived and were able to get a pulse and transport him to the hospital.  

While in the hospital, he received a defibrillator (an apparatus that will shock your heart so that your heart can get back to its own natural rhythm). The defibrillator was supposed to improve the health of Dwayne’s heart; however, this once extremely vibrant person had become sluggish and his legs were constantly swollen. He would begin visiting the emergency room monthly for the swelling and then weekly until in June 2019 (at this point walking with a cane and utilizing wheelchairs), he was told that his heart was only beating at 10% and that there was nothing that could be done other than to make him “comfortable”.  At this time, my brother had exhausted his savings and was unable to work for months. After receiving the news, he left the hospital headed to my parent’s house to get money for another prescription and informed my Mom that he was told that he was dying and nothing else could be done to help him… ohhhh, but we serve a MIGHTY GOD.

I contacted my brother’s doctor that performed his first stint surgery from 2003, Dr. Cooper. Dr. Cooper referred my brother to a heart specialist that was able to evaluate him. The doctor said that if my brother had waited one more week, he would not have been in a situation to be saved. And so, the journey began…while in the hospital (in order to prepare his body for the major surgery ahead), Dwayne’s daily diet was drastically changed. He went from weighing 180lbs. to 133lbs. in 30 days… as the doctor said, “his insides needed to be crisp in order for him to make it through the surgery.”

Dwayne received an LVAD (left ventricular assist device that is put into people who have reached end-stage heart failure) which beats for his heart. He now wears a “man bag” that is connected to his heart via a tube that comes out from his stomach with rechargeable batteries. He will continue to wear the bag until he receives a new heart.

Recently, we received wonderful news that Dwayne will be placed on the heart transplant list in January of 2020, but part of the requirements is to have $5,000 in the bank in order to cover expenses that insurance won’t pay. Because of his current condition, he is unable to work and is not only in need of raising the $5,000 to put in his account but also money to get his family back on their feet.

By the grace of God, I am thankful to say that my brother just recently celebrated another birthday on December 4, 2019.  He is in good spirits and has a bright outlook on life, however, he needs financial assistance. Any amount that you can contribute would be greatly appreciated.

Thank you for reading and thanks in advance for your support! 

Blessings,
Melisa Fox