Harry Gunter's Family Contribution

“God will not permit any troubles to come upon us, unless He has a specific plan by which great blessing can come out of the difficulty”. Peter Marshall 

The words resonate in my heart when I think of nephew Harry Gunter, who pass away on Monday 07/07/2014.     While waiting for a heart transplant, Harry lost his four year battle with heart failure.  Harry’s long illness and death has left the family financially devastated.  Due to Harry’s illness the burden of maintaining the household was on his wife.  Over the past four years, she has struggled to maintain the household alone while caring for their two young daughters, Destiney (12 years old) and Mikayla (10 years old) whom have shown amazing strength and resilience.

Harry fought a long and difficult fight before suffering heart failure, Harry appeared to be fit and healthy and was living a perfectly normal life. However everything changed abruptly after Harry entered the hospital and was diagnosed with congestive heart failure.

Timeline of Harry’s Struggle

 In August of 2011 Harry received an LVAD (left Ventricular Assist Device) a revolutionary heart procedure. Harry’s doctor at Piedmont Hospital were amazed at his quick recovery and his strong positive attitudes that he became a poster figure for the hospital.

 In February of 2013, Harry’s LVAD was replaced due to an infection in the valve and he was taken off the waiting list for a heart transplant. 

Later in September of 2013, Harry suffered a stroke.  Following rehabilitation, Harry seemed to be gaining strength and was again placed on the waiting list for a heart transplant.  

Despite numerous setbacks and close calls, Harry maintained a positive attitude and never lost his faith in God.  He became a blessing and inspiration to many who were facing the same ordeal, he gave them hope and encouraged them to remain strong. 

On the morning of June 30, 2014, after preparing lunch for his two girls, Harry decided to lay down to take a nap and while trying to plugged into his monitor,  In a cruel twist of fate, the power in the area went out.  Harry’s youngest daughter, Mikayla rushed into the bedroom and found her father unresponsive. 

Destiney, the oldest daughter, tried the get her father on the floor so that she could raise him up and open his airways but she did not have the strength to do so. The girls then called 911 and gave the operator their address, explained their father’s medical history and provided the name of their father’s physician.  In the midst of the turmoil, Destiney the oldest daughter realize that her sister Mikayla, the youngest child was having an asthma attack. She managed to calm her sister, and place her on the ventilator.

The courage and audacity that the girls exhibited during their father’s collapse warrants commendation.

Although Harry is gone his determination, inspiration and gratuitous spirit will live with us forever. Harry was a loving husband, a dedicated father and loyal friend.  His zest for life even during his darkest days has inspired many to continue the fight for life.  Because Harry was so willing to give so much to others, please help us to honor the memory of this wonderful man of God with a donation to the family.  All donations is greatly appreciated.