On Memorial Day 2026, my life changed forever.

I went to the emergency room believing I had kidney stones. Less than an hour later, I was diagnosed with congestive heart failure.

After undergoing a cardiac catheterization, doctors found something unexpected: I have 0% blockage in my coronary arteries. While that was good news, it also meant they couldn't identify a blocked artery or another obvious cause for my heart failure.

I was ultimately diagnosed with end-stage congestive heart failure caused by severely reduced heart function.

My heart's Ejection Fraction (EF) - the percentage of blood my heart pumps with each beat - is only 15%. A normal EF is generally between 55% and 70%.

Because my heart pumps so little blood, simple everyday tasks that most people never think twice about - taking a shower, getting dressed, walking through a grocery store, carrying groceries, climbing stairs, or even making the bed - can feel like running a marathon. What used to be routine now requires careful planning, frequent breaks, and more energy than I often have.

I also experience "brain fog," a common symptom of advanced heart failure that can make it difficult to concentrate, cause forgetfulness, and leave me unable to think as clearly or quickly as I once did.

Every day is unpredictable. Some mornings I wake up feeling relatively okay. Other days I'm exhausted before I even get out of bed. That's the reality of living with advanced heart failure.

My doctors have told me that I will need either a Left Ventricular Assist Device (LVAD) or a heart transplant within the next 6 to 12 months in order to survive.

When I received this diagnosis, I didn't have health insurance. Unfortunately, I had gone without coverage because I simply couldn't afford the nearly $1,200 monthly premium for an ACA health insurance plan. It's a decision I deeply regret.

Since then, I've nearly exhausted my savings paying medical bills, and I currently have approximately $50,000 in additional medical expenses pending. While I'm hopeful that financial assistance programs will reduce some of those costs, I've still had to apply for help wherever possible. At the same time, I'm unable to work and have no income while I wait for my disability benefits to begin. To put that into perspective, I was billed $1,027.90 for a 2.9-mile ambulance ride and $559.00 for less that 5-minutes with my Cardiologist in the hospital.

There is some good news. My health insurance becomes effective on August 1, and I am in the process of applying for Social Security Disability benefits. Unfortunately, because of the required waiting periods, I won't receive disability income for several months. Until then, I'm unable to work and currently have no source of income.

I've been fortunate to have experienced success in my life, and I've always believed in giving back. Over the years, I've donated to causes I believed in, established scholarships, and volunteered thousands of hours because helping others has always been important to me. I've never been comfortable asking for help, and if you know me personally, you know just how difficult it is for me to write these words.

One of the things that has humbled me the most is how many people immediately offered to start a GoFundMe for me. Their kindness reminded me that I'm not facing this alone, especially during a time when so much about my future is uncertain. I ultimately decided to create it myself because I didn't want anyone else to have to shoulder the responsibility or deal with any potential financial or tax implications on my behalf.

Over the past several years, I've poured everything I had into building my business while also helping care for both of my parents. Every extra dollar I earned went toward building a future and supporting my family. I never imagined that I would suddenly be unable to work, unable to help care for my parents, and facing the reality that I will need an LVAD or heart transplant.

Today, I'm focusing all of my energy on staying alive, following my treatment plan, and giving myself the best possible chance at recovery.

Anyone who knows me knows how stubborn I am - I don't give up. I'm determined to keep fighting this disease with everything I have. With the right treatment and support, I hope to get back to being there for my family and, one day, establish a foundation dedicated to helping others facing the same battle. If I'm fortunate enough to get through this, I want to use my experience to make life a little easier for those who find themselves where I am today.

If you're able to help, no matter the amount, I will be deeply grateful. Your generosity will help ease the financial burden of medical expenses, insurance premiums, medications, travel to appointments, and everyday living expenses while I focus on fighting this disease and preparing for the road ahead.

If you're unable to donate, I completely understand. Simply sharing my story with your family, friends, and social networks would mean more to me than you know. Your prayers, encouragement, and support are just as appreciated.

Thank you for taking the time to read my story. Thank you for your kindness, your generosity, and for giving me hope during one of the most difficult times of my life. Every donation, every share, every prayer, and every word of encouragement reminds me that I'm not fighting this battle alone.