A HEART & KIDNEY FOR MARILYN BAKER

Marilyn Lynette Carroll Baker.   I have been a resident of Kenner for over 50 years.  My family and I have contributed to the City of Kenner and surrounding parishes for many years.   I dedicated my life to other being in the medical field for over 20 years and caring for my mother Evelyn and my brother Glen Carroll until their premature death.   Now, I have to depend on others to care for me and am depending on all of you to help save my life.    

In 2010, I was diagnosed with Congestive Heart Failure, Rheumatoid Arthritis, and Diabetes the medicine that was prescribed was only a Band-Aid because my heart only became weaker – some of which was cause by the medicine I was taking.   In May of 2016, a cardiologist referred me to the transplant center at Ochsner’s main Campus. Ochsner’s Cardiology Team is one of the best and they work closely with each patient to develop a customized healthcare plan that is both targeted and effective. Their efforts to salvage my heart caused me to be called in immediately to run a series of heart related test.  The routine diagnostics and specialized procedures at their facility revealed that my heart was only functioning at 23 percent.  

With transplant the final goal, Ochsner’s team of specialists suggested that I consider a temporary fix that would spare my life a little longer.  It would require an open-heart surgery to install an experimental optimum care in cardiovascular device called a Left Ventricular Assist Device (LVAD), which is a surgically implanted mechanical pump that is attached to the heart. An LVAD is different from an artificial heart. An artificial heart replaces the failing heart completely whereas an LVAD works with the heart to help it pump more blood with less work. It does this by continuously taking blood from the left ventricle and moving it to the aorta, which then delivers oxygen-rich blood throughout the body.  The LVAD has both internal and external components. The actual pump sits on or next to your heart’s left ventricle with a tube attached that routes the blood to your aorta. A cable called driveline extends from the pump and out through the skin.  It connects the pump to a controller and power sources worn outside the body, which is why many people ask, “What’s that”? 

My condition is also dependent on the intake of approximately 23 pills per day, which has heavily played a role in the failing of my kidneys in the last couple of months. 

While I am most grateful for technology and the opportunity to be considered for LVAD device, my heart is becoming weaker and weaker.  Patient and hopeful, I have been registered on the Heart Kidney Transplant List in Louisiana for over two years, but have ran into complications (internal bleeding) that have stalled “the call”. Receiving over 48 blood transfusions during this time, causes unwanted antibodies that sometimes attack healthy cells.  Currently at 100% antibodies in my system, it is even harder to find a match! 

During my last hospital visit, my doctor suggested I travel to Texas in an effort to be listed on their transplant list because my chances of getting a heart and kidney there would be greater. 

Your donation will help get me closer to receiving my heart and kidney!  My goal is to travel to Texas and reside there for a few months.  Your donations will help supplement missing income while there; assist with lodging and daily expenses, and medicine I will need once my organs are received.

Please remember that ANYTHING HELPS!  Thank you in advance for your support.