Support Tim's Heart Surgery & Liver Transplant

On November 30, 2018 Tim was taken to the Sharp Memorial ER where he was hospitalized for esophageal varices, a potentially life threatening internal bleed, suffering major blood loss (approx. 1/3 of his blood). He was quickly diagnosed with cirrhosis of the liver as a result of Hepatitis C. In 2013 Tim underwent treatment for the virus, completely eradicating it, but the cirrhosis continued to progress. Cirrhosis causes severe scarring of the liver and cannot be reversed.

Within two weeks of diagnosis Tim was blessed to get an appointment with one of the leading hepatologists at UCLA Medical Center. During this first appointment doctors quickly determined that the accelerated cirrhosis meant Tim would need a liver transplant. The Stemlers were extremely shocked and overwhelmed by this news as Tim had been very active and in excellent health (he would probably add “very handsome”, as well) prior to his hospitalization.

On January 28, 2019 Tim took his first big steps towards preparing to become a transplant candidate- he and his family spent four arduous days at UCLA meeting with surgeons, hepatologists, cardiologists, psychiatrists, social workers and more to make sure Tim is physically and mentally healthy enough to undergo transplantation. 

The Stemler family was notified immediately, before leaving UCLA, that a lump was found on Tim’s liver during his CT scan and was told more tests and imaging would be needed. The day after the Stemlers returned from their trip to UCLA (Friday, Feb 1) they were notified that Tim’s cardiac stress tests showed what could be a “false positive” on his stress EKG and he would need to return to UCLA for an angiogram the following Monday (Feb 4). That Monday, during the angiogram, the cardiologist found a 90% blockage, a 70% blockage and a 50% blockage of Tim’s arteries, meaning he now needs immediate coronary bypass surgery before being considered as a transplant candidate! Tim was supposed to be released from the hospital after his angiogram procedure, instead they admitted him to the cardiac unit.

Currently, Tim has been in the hospital since Feb 4, 2019. His bypass surgery was scheduled for Monday, Feb 11, 2019 but was postponed after he acquired a staph infection and clot in his IV line. Cirrhosis predisposes patients to infections very easily, so it is extremely important for Tim’s doctors to treat his infection long before he sees the inside of an operating room. As for the lump on his liver, the Stemler family is still awaiting the results of the latest MRI.

These procedures, even with insurance, are extremely expensive. Not only do the Stemlers have ongoing medical expenses to consider, but a great deal of their time has been and will continue to be spent traveling back and forth between San Diego and Los Angeles which will include travel expenses such as gas, lodging, meals and house/pet sitting costs over the next several years (not to mention time taken off work between Heidemarie, Taylor and Madison). Tim has been out on disability since his original hospitalization in November, 2018 and Heidemarie has been struggling to maintain their home, all 5 pets and to participate as much as possible in running her business all while being Tim’s FULL TIME caregiver.

These costs are only the beginning. After Tim’s health is stable and he is medically approved as a transplant candidate, the Stemler family needs to prove financial evidence that they are capable of affording transplant costs and most importantly, his medications after transplantation. Again, all of this is necessary before actually being approved for transplant. Once on the transplant list, Tim will need to be on call 24/7 in case a liver becomes available. Once transplant takes place, Heidemarie will need to stay in LA anywhere from 1-4 months to support and care for Tim.

On behalf of the Stemler family, we ask that you please consider contributing to help them ease the financial burden during this major life event. We understand that not everyone will be able to make a financial donation, in that case we ask that you please share this page as much or as often as possible to help them spread the word. The Stemler family has an extremely long road ahead of them but they are forever grateful to the friends and family that have and continue to love, support and lift them in prayer through this difficult time. We will continue to update everyone via social media as often as we can but please do not hesitate to personally reach out to the family- your calls, texts, emails and prayers are very important to them! Thank you all so much.