Keith's Story
Donation protected
In January 2013 911 was called to Keith's home where he was found on the floor unconscious.
After receiving CPR from his girlfriend for ten minutes, paramedics arrived to find a young man with no heart rhythm. The paramedics then went into quick action, and proceeded to defibrillate Keith in a desperate attempt to regain his heartbeat. After many failed attempts, incredibly a heartbeat was recovered.
Keith was rushed to the emergency where he was induced into a coma. He was then placed into a hypothermic state for several days. Six days later Keith awoke. Diagnosed with a heart arrhythmia (irregular heartbeat). Doctors implanted a pace maker ICD (implantable cardioverter defibrillator) into his chest and assured him and his family that the worst was over.
Months later Keith was diagnosed with a rare lung and heart disease called Sarcoidosis. At this time Keith is only 28 years old. Unable to be physically active, and struggling to pay the bills, Keith courageously returned to work for a short period of time. After a few weeks back to work, more medical issues began to occur. Keith started to become very weak and was unable to perform his work duties and care himself at home. Keith ended up back at the emergency department, where doctors admitted him immediately. With a blood count level in the low 50's (normal being 120-160) the doctors started blood transfusions. Keith began to receive up to two blood transfusions per day, and his body is rejecting the new blood . After 33 days in the hospital doctors are still uncertain of what the cause of this rare blood disorder is. Keith has had a bone marrow biopsy and several blood tests which have been sent across the country for analysis.
To date there are no answers to why this is happening.
This is an active young man who loves welding, fishing, off-roading and many other outdoor activities. Unfortunately Keith cannot enjoy the quality of life that he once so adored. The stress he is going through is indescribable and with no source of sickness or medical benefits, the financial burden is growing rapidly.
In October 2013 Keith will have surgery to remove his spleen in hopes that this will reverse the blood disorder he is fighting against.
Any donations, big or small would be greatly appreciated. Keith will be honoured and truly blessed for any support shared.
Thanks for reading Keith's Story.
After receiving CPR from his girlfriend for ten minutes, paramedics arrived to find a young man with no heart rhythm. The paramedics then went into quick action, and proceeded to defibrillate Keith in a desperate attempt to regain his heartbeat. After many failed attempts, incredibly a heartbeat was recovered.
Keith was rushed to the emergency where he was induced into a coma. He was then placed into a hypothermic state for several days. Six days later Keith awoke. Diagnosed with a heart arrhythmia (irregular heartbeat). Doctors implanted a pace maker ICD (implantable cardioverter defibrillator) into his chest and assured him and his family that the worst was over.
Months later Keith was diagnosed with a rare lung and heart disease called Sarcoidosis. At this time Keith is only 28 years old. Unable to be physically active, and struggling to pay the bills, Keith courageously returned to work for a short period of time. After a few weeks back to work, more medical issues began to occur. Keith started to become very weak and was unable to perform his work duties and care himself at home. Keith ended up back at the emergency department, where doctors admitted him immediately. With a blood count level in the low 50's (normal being 120-160) the doctors started blood transfusions. Keith began to receive up to two blood transfusions per day, and his body is rejecting the new blood . After 33 days in the hospital doctors are still uncertain of what the cause of this rare blood disorder is. Keith has had a bone marrow biopsy and several blood tests which have been sent across the country for analysis.
To date there are no answers to why this is happening.
This is an active young man who loves welding, fishing, off-roading and many other outdoor activities. Unfortunately Keith cannot enjoy the quality of life that he once so adored. The stress he is going through is indescribable and with no source of sickness or medical benefits, the financial burden is growing rapidly.
In October 2013 Keith will have surgery to remove his spleen in hopes that this will reverse the blood disorder he is fighting against.
Any donations, big or small would be greatly appreciated. Keith will be honoured and truly blessed for any support shared.
Thanks for reading Keith's Story.
Organizer
Amber Matthews
Organizer
Lower Sackville, NS
