Dale's Heart Transplant Journey

My oldest brother Dale and his family need your help.  In the beginning of January he awoke not being able to breath.  His wife Dawn took him to the Urgent Care where they did a chest x-ray and EKG.  The x-ray showed that he had pneumonia and fluid around his heart, and abnormalities on the EKG.  So upon following up with the Cardiologist and doing an echocardiogram it was determined he had Congestive Heart Failure.  After being on medicine for a couple of months his condition seemed to be getting worse.  After numerous trips to the Urgent Care, Doctors Office, and a couple Emergency room trips they decided to go to the University of Wisconsin Hospital ER.  After being admitted and having numerous tests done including a stay in the Intensive Care Unit it was determined that Dale would need a Heart Transplant.  He was put on the waiting list thru UNOS (United Network of Organ Sharing) on May 5th, 2021. 

To know Dale is to love him.  Dale is a wonderful provider to his wife Dawn and his stepson Boden.  Dale’s love of family continues to all of his amazing siblings in to which he has a very close bond.  He has been labeled as the “Favorite Uncle” to his many nieces, nephews, and great nephews.  Dale has a countless number of friends whom mean so much to him, he considers them family.  Even though he faces tough challenges ahead of him he continues to be that quick witted, hopeful, optimistic, caring person that we all know and love! Dale is the first person to be there when someone is in need, but now we are asking for help for Dale and his family. 

Unfortunately the medical costs not only for Pre-Transplant and Post-Transplant will be unimaginable.  This is not including the non-paid time off work for both Dale and his wife plus transportation to and from staying in Madison after the surgery.  If all goes as planned his stay in the hospital will be 7-10 days but they will not be able to leave Madison for a week after discharge having to stay in a hotel for numerous follow up appointments, which continue throughout the first year.  Dale will have to be on an immunosuppressant for the rest of his life, as well as numerous other medications, following his Heart Transplant.

My family would like to thank everyone who has taken the time to read about Dale’s story and appreciate any donations that you are able to make.  All donations will be sent directly to Dale and Dawn in order for them to be able to utilize them as needed.  If you could, please share this GoFundMe with all of your family and friends.  If you’re unable to donate monetarily, please send prayers, good vibes and positive energy for Dale, his family, friends, doctors, hospital staff and donor families.  The family will post updates as Dale continues on his Heart Transplant journey. 

Thank you and God Bless!!