Help Charles Overcome Heart Failure

My name is Charles. I was born in Alaska, and grew up in fishing villages before moving to the California Bay Area in 2007. In 2024 however, I found myself in the emergency room many times, and am fortunate to even be alive to write about what happened. I'm pledging a portion of the funds raised to the American Heart Association because I want others with heart failure to have a chance, while documenting and sharing my treatment and recovery.

I know if I don't ask now, it will likely be too late as my chances of survival are not good any longer without help. If you're able to share or help in any way, it will be deeply appreciated.

Living below the poverty line with a life-threatening condition in the Bay Area has taken everything I have. My hope is to have medical help that I can not currently afford during the treatment and recovery. They call this the silent killer, and they really weren't kidding. Below is a summary about what happened and when.

April 5, 2024: I had my first heart attack while working at a Chamber of Commerce event.

April 25, 2024: I had my second heart attack. Surgeons could only save one artery.

July 1, 2024: I was hospitalized again and prescribed medical oxygen.

November 23, 2024: Doctor concludes inability to work.

January 7, 2025: The DMV issued me a permanent disabled placard.

April 21, 2025: I experienced my third severe heart attack.

April 22, 2025: Heart surgery unsuccessful - non-revascularizable chronic total occlusions.

June 11, 2025: I experienced my fourth heart attack.

June 12, 2025: Heart surgery unsuccessful (cath), CABG open heart surgery evaluated.

Recent cardiac testing shows my ejection fraction has dropped to 40% - the threshold for severe heart failure. Multiple areas of my heart muscle are dead (akinetic) or severely weakened (hypokinetic), with significant diastolic dysfunction. At this level of heart damage, CABG open-heart surgery carries a high mortality risk, making regenerative medicine my only realistic option to restore heart function and save my life.

Initial Goal: $120,000 - Immediate needs, medical bills, housing, basic treatment

Stretch Goal 1: $170,000 - Add EECP therapy and initial stem cell consultation

Stretch Goal 2: $220,000 - Include exosome therapy program

Stretch Goal 3: $320,000 - Full stem cell treatment protocol

Stretch Goal 4: $420,000 - Add mitochondrial transplantation or international treatment

Stretch Goal 5: $520,000 - Comprehensive regenerative medicine program combining multiple therapies

I'm pledging 5% of funds raised to the American Heart Association to help others with heart failure, and 5% to disability legal advocacy organizations working to ensure equal rights and court access for people with disabilities. As I experience treatment, I hope to share what I learn with others who struggle with heart disease, so it remains a silent killer no longer.