A humble plea for help with my open heart surgery

To all my family and friends, it’s been quite a ride over the years. We’ve all had many good times, boring times, and downright bad times. Time plays a different song for everyone; not everyone gets the same tune when it comes to life. Some people dance through the music with a smile on their faces, some stumble and struggle but still maintain a tempo albeit with a sweaty and determined visage, and some people flat out collapse from the pressure to downright stay upright while their song is still playing with a pained expression.

I’m simultaneously embarrassed and pained to admit that my 2023 has begun terribly and with a sad and unfortunate soundtrack for me.

Last month, on 12-28, I was admitted to a hospital in San Antonio for a severe foot infection caused by bacteria which required three separate surgeries to correct. As of right now, my foot is healing and is in a state of convalescence. However, since being hospitalized, I had a heart catheterization in which doctors have just diagnosed me with coronary artery disease which will require open heart surgery sometime early next week.

Quite simply: If I don’t have this surgery, I’m going to die before I’m 50 years old, maybe even earlier. The diagnosis is 95% blockage that requires immediate life saving surgery.

Helluva a way to spend one’s 43rd, birthday, am I right?

My family and friends know me as a strong and independent man who always tries his absolute best to figure out his own problems, solve whatever obstacles life throws in his way, and to sit down and figure out a rational and educated solution to any predicaments. I’ve never been a mooch, a beggar, or a parasite who is selfish and inconsiderate when it comes to the money, finances, or generosity of others. I, myself, have always made an effort to donate to most any and all charities of fundraisers I’ve had come across my way. Generosity is a gift in itself. It feels so good to donate to a just cause for a loved one not because of attention grabbing, but because we know it’s the love that is sent with every gift.

Family and friends, I’m humbly and respectfully begging for help in my time of medical crisis. I’m at my wits end and am crying myself in a stupor over what is not only physically about to happen to me, but financially, as well.

My insurance through my company is going to help cover the costs of my hospital stay through my deductible, but my recovery period, which is expected to be up to 8 weeks is going to challenge me and my family in ways that we have never been tested in our lives. My career as an oil field radiographer has been a rollercoaster of ups & downs and twists & turns. I haven’t worked since 12-15-22 because of the ever changing and unpredictable schedule of my pipelines and refineries.

My purpose in making this fundraiser is to simply ask for help to keep my family’s heads above water while I heal and cannot work at all. Raeann works and earns, but it simply won’t be ample or sufficient to live with our rent and bills without hardships that will strain all of us. Also, Madison, my daughter, is an 18 year old high school senior and is needing more and more expenditures as she is a growing girl and is finishing her last year of high school.

I’d 100% most certainly never make such a pathetic and sad plea like this for help, but I’m honestly out of options and am desperate for as much help as I can receive. Any donations received will go towards bills, food, and any underlying costs of my hospital bill.

I just simply can’t think of another option other than to ask you, my family and friends, for a little help.

Any amount, if donated, will be eternally appreciated. I promise on my integrity as a man that your help won’t be abused or cheated.

If for some reason you cannot make a donation for my open heart surgery and living costs while I recover, then I politely ask you to please share the link to this fundraiser so as to gain much needed awareness. You’d be amazed at how even a simple share can help one’s cause.

I’m scared, stressed, and beyond anxious in this current ordeal life has thrown at me. All I can do now is meekly ask for help from you. I’ve officially swallowed my pride because I need help for my family more than ever in my entire life of 43 years.

Thank you so much for reading this. No matter what happens, I love all of you more than you know and am unable to adequately convey how glad I am to have you in my life.

Here’s to a healthy and prosperous 2023.

Love, Matt