A Chance For Chan - Heart Transplant Journey

My son-in-law, Chan, is in a fight for his life.

He is currently an inpatient in the CCU/ICU at Penn Medicine, Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania, where he will remain until a suitable heart becomes available.

Just 37 years old, and a child survivor of a Thai Refugee Camp, Chan moved to America with his family in the 1980s. Eventually settling in a Cambodian Community in Washington State, they eeked out a living as migrant harvesters. Though happy, he longed for a better life.

He worked hard at achieving that goal. He and his wife, Jessica, finally purchased a home of their own in Lancaster County, PA, where they reside with their 10-year-old son. (and me!) He loves maintaining the home and grounds and his well-manicured lawn is a source of pride and joy.

Being a young and otherwise healthy man, he was diagnosed with several treatable ailments before the true diagnosis was reached. Maybe it is Pneumonia - he was prescribed antibiotics and other medications - he continued to decline. There were more diagnoses and more medications, but nothing helped.

I could go on, but the result is the same. Chan, a hard-working, healthy husband and father, is in Untreatable Heart Failure and a true fight for his life.

For the past year, he has been in and out of the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania, Penn Medicine. Nurses have provided specialized care at home, and medications have been altered, changed out, and increased. He would feel better for a little while, but it never lasted. As doctors worked diligently to try to heal his heart, they provided him with a defibrillator vest and inserted an internal defibrillator pacemaker. He wears a portable IV pump that provides him with the appropriate dose of heart medication around the clock. Despite all, the treatments failed.

Still, he continued to earn a living as an IT ANALYST. As he waited for good news, he did his best to enjoy his hobbies of cooking and grilling for as long as he could maintain.

He spent quiet time in the company of his four rescued dogs and cat.

The fishing and gardening that give him so much happiness, are out of reach for him now.

A few days ago, Chan became unable to walk the short distance from his bedroom to the kitchen. He was so short of breath and exhausted that he just could not make it on his own. The next day, he saw his Cardiologist and he was once again admitted to HUP. This time, though, he will stay in the hospital indefinitely.

The Penn Medicine Heart Transplant Team is working hard on his behalf. He has been moved up on the transplant list, but it may still be some time before a suitable heart is available. While in CCU/ICU, his 10-year-old son, Kieran, is not permitted to visit. His wife, Jessica, visits as often as possible, while she continues to work full-time. Things have not been easy for them.

Their ultimate goal, a loving home for their family, is now in jeopardy. Finances have been carefully budgeted, but meeting mortgage, utilities and other expenses require very careful creativity to say the least. (Unfortunately, Grandma is not in a position to alter the financial situation. I help where I am able, financially, emotionally, and always, there to care for my grandson.)

TODAY, Doctors implanted an Impella Heart Pump as a temporary measure. This will help his heart to pump enough blood to his brain and internal organs, helping him to stay alive until a matching donor heart comes available. This is by no means a permanent solution, and he will remain in CCU/ICU until that time comes.

Sacrificing pride and a strong sense of self-reliance, they have finally allowed me to begin fundraising on their behalf.

We are asking for your support.

Any amount is greatly appreciated.

We are grateful for family and friends.

We are hopeful.

Love will prevail.

EVERY SHARE HELPS! ~ https://gofund.me/9d173917