A Lifetime of Giving: Helping Gigi Fight for Her Heart

A Lifetime of Giving: Helping Gigi Fight for Her Heart

My mom, who my kids lovingly call Gigi, has always been the rock of our family. From the moment I was born, she poured her heart and soul into providing for me, facing countless challenges with unwavering strength and resilience. Life has thrown us some serious curveballs, from emergency medical flights to unexpected injuries, but she always managed to keep us afloat. As a single mom working tirelessly as a deli manager, she sacrificed everything to ensure I had a good life.

Now, as a single mother myself to my precious children, Sophia (6) and Lincoln (3), I've come to appreciate her strength even more. And just like she did for me, she's been there for us, offering invaluable support and love to my children. Sophia and Gigi share an incredibly special bond, a testament to the love and dedication my mom has always shown.

But now, the woman who has always been there for everyone needs our help.

The past year has been incredibly difficult for her. It started with a broken foot in March 2024, followed by a bout of pneumonia in September. In October, a CT scan revealed an enlarged heart, and soon after, she began experiencing alarming symptoms like swollen legs and ankles, and difficulty breathing.

On October 28th, 2024, our worst fears were realized. She was admitted to the ICU in Butte, Montana, and diagnosed with congestive heart failure. Her heart was only functioning at 20%. After four long days, she was discharged, but the road to recovery has been anything but smooth.

The news in November was even more concerning: Viral cardiomyopathy with HFrEF (heart failure with reduced ejection), a condition where the heart doesn't pump blood efficiently. While a normal heart functions at 50-70%, hers was barely hanging on. Doctors hoped medication and rest would help, but after further testing, including an echocardiogram revealed her heart had dropped to 15% and an angiogram barely brought it back up to 20%, it became clear her heart wasn't healing as hoped.

To add to the burden, she underwent surgery to remove two lipomas, and one of the removal sites became infected, requiring weekly doctor visits and daily dressing changes for weeks.

After months of battling, she was finally cleared to return to work at the end of December, but only for a meager 4 hours a day. It's a struggle to even get 12 hours a week.

Now, on February 24th, 2025, she faces another hurdle: the implantation of an ICD/pacemaker. While this offers hope for improved heart function, it also means she won't be able to drive for four weeks, further complicating her ability to work. And unfortunately, her car is also in need of expensive repairs she can't currently afford.

Despite all this, her doctor says she's an exception; most people with her condition wouldn't be able to function outside of a hospital or hospice. He's strongly recommending she consider moving to Spokane or Salt Lake City for a heart transplant. However, the reality of that option is daunting – she would need to live there for years, possibly forever, a financial burden that is simply insurmountable.

Thankfully, she has insurance that covers her medical expenses. But she is now months behind on rent and other essential bills. Insurance doesn't cover the cost of a medical tag, and the financial strain is becoming unbearable.

Gigi has spent her life giving, sacrificing, and loving unconditionally. Now, it's our turn to give back. We are launching this GoFundMe campaign to help her stay afloat during this incredibly challenging time.

Here's how your contribution can make a difference:

Covering Rent and Bills: Ensuring she has a safe and stable place to live while she recovers.

Transportation Assistance: Helping her with transportation costs during her recovery, including car repairs and travel to medical appointments.

Medical Expenses beyond Insurance: Addressing any unforeseen medical costs or supplies not covered by insurance.

Any amount you can contribute will be deeply appreciated. Please consider donating and sharing this campaign with your friends and family. Let's help Gigi continue to fight for her heart and get back to doing what she loves most: being there for her family.

Thank you from the bottom of our hearts.