Update! We had to increase our goal because of Dad’s readmission to the hospital. Last week, after being discharged, he began vomiting and could not stop. He could not keep anything down and had lost weight he could not afford to lose. He was readmitted to the hospital, where they drained bags upon bags of bile that had leaked into his stomach. One stent they discovered was sitting askew, and another one was missing, so he has had to have more procedures done to rectify the issue. Because of his readmission, his and my family’s stay at Howie’s House Gift for Life has been extended. We are so appreciative of the donations we have received thus far, and we were hoping that the original goal would have sufficed, but due to these complications, we need extra assistance with medical bills and housing. With it being the holiday season, we understand if you are unable to donate, or can only donate a little; each and every penny is deeply appreciated. If you cannot donate, please share and continue to send good thoughts and prayers for my Dad, Aunt Stacy (who is still undergoing procedures as well) and our family staying at Howie’s House. We are deeply thankful for you all. 

Update! Dad has not been sedated as much these past few days, and though he is not able to talk or eat yet, he has been able to mouth words, take a few steps, and brush his teeth! The road to recovery is long, but we are so appreciative of all the support, love, prayers, outreach, good thoughts, and donations! They really do help! To those who have donated; we thank each and every one of you from the bottom of our hearts, as we are speechless with deep gratitude. We thank you so much, and there are no words to convey how grateful we are.

If you know my dad, Rick Marts, you know that he is an exceptional and talented worker who thrived in his profession as an aircraft mechanic, and you also know that he is a brilliant and affable man who loves his family, his guitars, and his cars. He is not usually one to ask for help, but in light of events that began in late spring/early summer of 2024, I am humbly asking for help on his and our family’s behalf.

In late spring/early summer of 2024, Dad was diagnosed with decompensated cirrhosis (complete liver failure); the diagnosis was devastating and resulted in Dad having to leave his beloved profession of being an aircraft mechanic. Due to the various complications that come along with liver failure, he has not been able to work since leaving his career, although he did not let his illness dampen his spirit. He has had several close-calls and lengthy hospital stays since his diagnosis, and despite these hospitalizations, Dad always remained optimistic and stoic. Even when my family and I were wringing our hands with anxiety, Dad always stayed cool, calm, and collected, and told us not to worry.

Dad felt extremely fortunate, and we felt similarly, because he was approved for a partial liver transplant; his donor was his little sister, my Aunt Stacy. We were all thrilled that they were both approved for the procedure, as we felt that it would give him a better and healthier life in which he could return to work – if you know my dad, you know that he loves working, and playing his Kramer guitars. We were all extremely hopeful for him, and beyond grateful to my Aunt Stacy for agreeing to generously donate a portion of her liver.

The transplant operation happened on October 21st, and unfortunately, Dad has been facing very serious life-threatening complications that consequently will result in an unexpected, arduous long stay. He is very ill and has not responded well to the surgery, and we do not know the time-frame of his recovery. He is currently sedated and intubated, and has been since the operation on the 21st.

The medical and housing costs are quickly accruing, and with my dad having been out of work for a year, both he and my family need help. My mother (his caregiver) and my younger brother have been housed by Howie’s House Gift of Life, an amazing and generous location close to Dad’s hospital, but it is costing them $40 per night that they stay, and with Dad’s current condition, they will need to stay for an extended period of time. That is without taking into consideration the mounting medical costs from his current uncertain medical condition.

Because of the current financial situation of the country, we understand if you cannot donate, or if you can only donate a little; every penny is a blessing, and if no penny can be given, please send prayers and/or good thoughts for his recovery. Even sharing this link will be a huge help that is appreciated.

Thank you so, so much.