My Brothers Heart

As in the lives of many adopted children, you go through life wondering who you really look like and if there's anyone on this earth that has your same mannerisms.  About 14 years ago, I set out to find my adopted mother. I didn't want money or dream about a lifelong relationship. I just wanted to know what it felt like to stand next to a blood relative, to share a peculiar sense of humor and watch how they move, how they speak, and how they love.  Long story short, the adoption agency contacted her but she refused any contact.  I didn't think it would affect me like it did but I was crushed.  Not only did she give me away 40 years ago, but now she was rejecting me again.  As is a lot of times in life, if we were to recieve what we think we need, we would sell ourselves short.  About two months later, the adoption agency called and informed me I have a biological brother.  While on a business trip to Oklahoma, at his mothers urging, Brent stopped by to take pictures of the orphanage where we both were adopted. The same volunteer that I had spoken with that only worked a few hours a week happen to speak with Brent and at her urging, had him fill out the paperwork to open his file.  Though neither of us were in each others files, the volunteer realized several days later that we both had the same biological mother and father.  We were both so nervous to talk on the phone and shortly thereafter, he flew to where I lived in the SF bay area. When he got out of the car, I can't explain the feeling of all those years of wondering, suddenly becoming reality.  We look alike, we share the same inside jokes, we love the same food and when he gestures, I see myself in his every move.  That was 14 years ago.  Two years ago Brent woke up one day at 51 years old, healthy and happy with no idea what devastating events were to take place that day. While driving, he had severe chest pains and pulled off the exit which happened to be the hospital exit. He drove to the ER entrance where he had a massive heart attack. If he had not been in the hospital parking lot, he would not be here with us today. Just a few months earlier, we had met in Boulder and I told him the only thing I knew about our biological father is that he had a heart attack at a young age and died.  The irony escaped us both at the time.  Brent is an amazing guy with two kids and a beautiful wife. For those of you that know me, you know I lost my adopted brother at 47 years old to alcoholism. Brent doesn't struggle with that issue and has lived a very healthy lifestyle. He owns his own business with his brothers, has a wonderful extended family and support system. He has worked hard his whole life  and now that is gone. No amount of savings can pay the type of medical bills associated with a battery pack that pumps your heart each day while you wait for a donar.  He can not travel more than 2 hours away from home and with each phone call, knows he may have to rush into surgery at a moments notice. When he sits at home, he is plugged into a machine that pumps the sleeve surrounding his heart because it is too damaged to pump on its own. When he goes anywhere, he has a battery pack that pumps for him. He is walking through this with such courage and strength. I can't even imagine having to wake up each morning and go to sleep each night with that weighing on my mind. Please help Brent with anything you can and share this with your friends if you are comfortable doing so. Even though I know money can't buy health, the financial and emotional stress Brent is under is phenomenal. I just found my brother and I don't want to lose him all over again.