Cleveland Clinic 2nd opinion

This GoFundMe for Drew Maltese has been organized on his behalf with all funds going straight into an account for Drew’s medical expenses. We asked Drew to write a few words explaining his condition and how your generous donation will help him and his family.

From Drew

I am a loving husband to my amazingly supportive wife of 17 years, Melissa, and father of three beautiful and very active boys: Hunter (16), Logan (14), and Gavin (10). 15 years ago, I went into cardiac arrest as my LAD (largest coronary artery) was 97% occluded (blocked) and the kissing balloon (artery next to LAD that was 85% occluded). My LAD received a medicated stent; however, both arteries needed to be stented as well. This year: 2023, I experienced two heart attacks (less than 6 months apart, with the first one ironically on ❤️ Valentine’s Day) resulting in another medicated stent placed in the LAD. Having had the two heart attacks, it was necessary to have 3 invasive heart catheterizations in a few short weeks to monitor how the stents were working.

Rather than worrying about having to take another ER trip…, I am at the point where I need to visit a specialized cardiologist at The Cleveland Clinic for a second opinion of my heart and arteries. Insurance does not cover the cost of getting a second opinion at The Cleveland Clinic (which is $1850 out-of-pocket just to get an appointment). Add to that the cost for a thorough work-up with medical tests and necessary procedures, medication, in-clinic monitoring, etc. During my time at The Cleveland Clinic, both Melissa and I would be off of work (losing wages), Melissa would need a hotel to stay in, plus food and grocery needs for our three sons who would be with family in Michigan. At a minimum, my trip to The Cleveland Clinic would cost about $20,000 for about a 2-week stay. Rather than add this financial burden and stress to my family (and my heart); I humbly started this GoFundMe. Your prayers along with your donation will help tremendously and are a blessing to my family and I. Thank you!

From a friend….

Drew puts friends and family before himself because that’s who he is! You may have read The Giving Tree by Shel Silverstein. This story teaches us about the value of selfless giving. If you have known Drew his whole life or a short time, you know that he is The Giving Tree, helping and providing…asking for nothing in return. This GoFundMe is your chance to give to him.

Drew is a truly dedicated and fun family man who loves attending his boys’ sporting events, going to White Rock with family and friends, spending quiet moments alone with his wife, Melissa, while working 2 jobs and providing for his family; all the while his heart is taking a toll, but that doesn’t stop him from being there for them, for you, or for me.

Your gift to Drew will ease the financial burden from medical expenses, continuous ongoing care and follow-ups along with regular monitoring. Your donation importantly eases the mental toll and stress that Drew’s medical situation has had on him worrying about the financial impact of these bills on their family’s day to day living like gas, groceries, utilities, etc. By donating what you are able to, the medical expenses can be addressed allowing the family breathing room. The next step for Drew is The Cleveland Clinic for a second opinion on his heart and all that continues to occur despite medication and procedures. Please help get Drew to The Cleveland Clinic and relieve him of financial worry; as Charles Dickens stated, “No one is useless in this world who lightens the burdens of another.”

In Drew’s “Inspired Drew” TikToks, he ends each minute long message and challenge with, “Get out and enjoy life because it’s here for you!” Let’s do what we each can so that Drew can get that chance to Get Out and Enjoy Life Because WE ARE HERE FOR HIM!

This GoFundMe is YOUR CHANCE, MY CHANCE, OUR COLLECTIVE CHANCE to give Drew the ultimate opportunity so he has the BEST CHANCE at a Healthy and Full Life to Enjoy and Spend with All of Us! Let’s do this….for DREW!

“And so the tree was happy.” Shel Silverstein, The Giving Tree