Support Kenny’s heart recovery journey

Hello,

My name is Candice, and I didn’t think I would be here writing this…I received a call from my mom that my dad had collapsed. My heart dropped, but I went into nurse mode for my family. Soon after dad was in an ambulance for an arrhythmia, but that’s all we were told. Once we got to the hospital, we were told he was actively having a heart attack and he would need an immediate procedure to open blockages to save his life. My sister and I waited with him while they were preparing for the procedure, held his hand, and offered as much reassurance as we could. Then it happened. He seized and his heart stopped. I screamed down the hall for help. The doctor began CPR and eventually had a shockable rhythm. After they shocked him, he came to. It was terrifying not being able to do anything to help. After my mom arrived we helped support her back to give my dad a quick kiss and a look that said, “I need you here, stay with me.” The next couple of hours were filled with uncertainty, hope, prayers, tears, and pleas to save his life. The procedure was done, and we could finally see him. To much surprise of everyone (doctors included), he was up and talking. The doctors told us he was extremely lucky; even if he went to the hospital an hour later, the outcome would have been drastically different. His heart function is showing there was damage, and he is on medication to hopefully improve those numbers. We are taking it one day at a time, but today we are thankful and are cautiously hopeful for his future.

My dad is the sole provider for the family and will be out of work for the foreseeable future. The cost of the medication alone could be equivalent to a car payment even with insurance. I am making this GoFundMe to help offset the cost of medical treatment and bills that might occur over the next few months. I know that money is tight for everyone right now, but if you have the means, please donate to help my family as we navigate this moving forward. My dad has always helped those around him, from being a dad to not only his own children but two others he will always claim as his own to coaching numerous sports. He loves Notre Dame, popcorn, and making dad jokes. We are all thankful that he can continue to joke and create more memories with us. We appreciate any contribution, big or small. Even if you can only provide prayers, we appreciate you.

With love,

Sheryl (wife)

Candice (daughter)

Shante (daughter)

Brittany (daughter)

Danielle (daughter)