Aid for Sue Patton's Family's Heart Surgery Costs

Current situation:

Cost: $ 164,000

Funding Attained:

- $16,500 thru private donations

- $7,900 thru the Go-Fund-me page:

- Contact with Governor Whitmer, Congressman Bergman, and other leaders

- Equity Loan is in the process

My wife desperately needs her mitral valve replaced, the only place to perform this surgery is the Mayo Clinic. Sue developed heart issues and couple of years ago. She had her aortic valve replaced at the Mayo Clinic in the fall of this year, and Tri-care paid for this surgery.

She must now have her mitral valve replaced and must have this completed through a new procedure at the Mayo Clinic. The surgery is through a clinical trial. Sue cannot have this procedure through open heart surgery due to damage from earlier radiation treatment for cancer (Hodgkin’s disease). Tri-Care denied the mitral valve procedure.

The Mayo Clinic appealed to Tri-care and was subsequently denied twice by Tri-Care and will no longer speak to the Mayo Clinic representative about the surgery and stated there are not any appeals remaining.

Without this surgery, Sue will die, she has from now up to 18 months remaining without the surgery. She is currently weak, can 'no longer drive, and sleeps approximately 20 hours a day. She can no longer complete daily tasks and is usually confined to her chair’. This is extremely hard to watch, as she was quite active in church, outdoors, and with the grandchildren.

My cost for the surgery is $164,000.00 to cover the hospital room and the Surgeon’s fees and I must pay upfront to have the surgery. The surgery at the Mayo Clinic is set for 23 January 2025, a delay may occur.

I am trying to attain the monetary funding to provide the lifesaving surgery to save the life of my wife (Sue) of 43 years.

I am Major (Retired) David E. Patton, 28 years of service in the United States Marines and the US Army. I served due to loyalty to the Country, and to ensure my wife and I would have medical coverage. My career included starting as a Private and advancing to Lieutenant Colonel.

My wife selflessly served as a family support group leader during 3 of my company command’s and was awarded by the Commanding General for dedication and selfless service to the US Soldiers and their families for superior service.

Thank You,

David