The Lee Family

Hi, we are the Rivermill Lane Family, a group of neighbors who are close friends that have become family. We are reaching out on behalf of The Lee Family for financial assistance as Shawn begins his recovery journey.

Back in March, Shawn was experiencing issues with breathing and would become easily fatigued. After no improvement, his wife, Maci, decided to take him to Wellington Regional where they found fluid in his lungs and around his heart. He was diagnosed with pneumonia. Doctors were concerned that the pressure in his heart had caused his gallbladder to no longer function and opted to remove it.

Shawn had his gallbladder removed on March 17th, and was released the following day with care instructions for pneumonia. Three days later Shawn had difficulty breathing and was experiencing severe edema and went back to Wellington Regional where he was diagnosed with Congestive Heart Failure on March 22nd. Two days later they transferred him to JFK via ambulance to receive their specialized heart care. After additional tests and monitoring they sent him home with medication and a life vest that would recharge the heart in case that it were to stop functioning.

In less than a week, he went back to JFK because his body was not tolerating the medication prescribed for his heart. At that point, JFK determined they couldn't treat him any further and they recommended that be transferred to Cleveland Clinic for a heart transplant. Shawn was transported via ambulance from JFK to Cleveland Clinic in Weston, FL over an hour away from their home.

Just hours after being placed on the transplant list, Shawn was matched with a heart. The surgery was scheduled the next morning at 2:45am. The surgery lasted for just about 5 hrs and was a great success. After several trips to the hospital and surgeries, Shawn is finally on the road to recovery.

Shawn and Maci have 2 kids; Marrisa, 17, and Cayden who is 11. In order to care for Shawn and her two kids, she had to take a leave from work and drives down to Weston daily to be with Shawn. They have incurred a surreal amount of medical debt while having to pay for gas and other important expenses over the last month. While Shawn is doing well they will still have a long journey and several hurdles to overcome.

If you know The Lees, they are ALWAYS willing to cook up a storm for the neighborhood or help any way they can. They have helped us through cancer diagnoses, the loss of family and so much more. Please consider helping us help them!!

Thank you!!