Hey everyone, my name is Richard Casale. I’m currently 31 years old now and have been battling Marfan Syndrome since diagnosed at the age of 14. I Just recently got out of the ICU from my 3rd major surgery all related to this debilitating syndrome. My first surgery was an open heart surgery to repair my aortic valve, my second surgery was a spine realignment where they placed 2 titanium rods with _ screws in my back, and now this last surgery is because of an aneurism on my Aortic valve and had attached to most my spleen which was removed during this 6 hour surgery was well.

I am very blessed and grateful to still be here and looking forward to eventually getting back to my passion, which is being an electrician.

The estimated recovery time for this current surgery is about 4-5 months and I have been finding myself getting a bit overwhelmed thinking about it all because I will not be able to work. I am feeling very nervous about the months to come because I do not only have to pay for all my medical bills and medication, I also have to provide for my loving family which involves my fiancé and her two kids.