Bless Heidi's Heart

In the summer of 2010, our sister, Heidi Herzog Smith, became very ill. After numerous tests, the news was not good. The mitral valve in Heidi's heart was not functioning properly. In September of 2010, at 45 years old, she underwent open heart surgery and a mechanical valve was placed. Though this did improve her heart function, we were all told at that time that she had two other valves that would need to be replaced in the future. Heidi has had to live with many complications and on numerous medications for the past five years. She has been so strong and has tried to remain positive, that's Heidi. Her health and strength have deteriorated greatly over the past year. She has been hospitalized five times in the past six months. Many tests have revealed that another valve is failing. Her tricuspid valve is now not working and her heart function is down to 15-20%. Two weeks ago, our sister was transferred via ambulance two and a half hours from Sparks Hospital in Fort Smith, Arkansas to Integris Heart Hospital in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. Results, Heidi's Heart valves can no longer be replaced. Her heart is just not strong enough. She is in congestive heart failure and retaining fluid. Her team of cardiologist's and surgeon's have told us the entire bottom half of our sister's heart is not functioning. In addition, the only part of her heart currently working is the mechanical valve which was placed in 2010. Heidi has so much life left to live, she is only 51 years old. She is currently undergoing tests in preparation for her only hope, a heart transplant. We are setting up this fund with the hope of helping Heidi and her husband, Jeff, with the extensive out of pocket medical expenses needed to keep our sweet sister on this earth, as well as to help them and their children with travel expenses back and forth to Integris Heart Hospital. Heidi is currently at her home in Arkansas. She will be making the seven hour round trip every few weeks back to Integris Heart Hospital in Oklahoma City to undergo more outpatient testing in preparation for surgery. Once Heidi has the heart transplant and is released from Intregis, she is required to live in Oklahoma City for the first three to four months to be close to her cardiac team. As of last Friday, Heidi is now wearing a "life vest", which is a 24 hour heart monitor and automatic cardiac defibrillator.
Asking for help is never an easy thing to do. But we are reaching out to you, our friends and family for your support. Even if you don't know Heidi, you know us and she is definitely part of us. If you are not able to help financially, please, please pray for our sister, Heidi, her husband Jeff, their children and grandchildren.
Thank you all in advance and please feel free to leave positive words of encouragement and love here for Heidi.

Our sincere love and heartfelt thanks,

Terri Herzog Sabatini
Rhonda Herzog
Clint Herzog
Lisa Herzog Berlinger
and families