Dave went in this Tuesday morning to have another stent put in for a blockage he had with his heart but his artery collapsed so he was rushed back for emergency double bypass surgery at 10am... they were able to get the first bypass done but he was not stable enough to do the second one. His heart muscle was struggling.. they tried to do everything they could to get him stable before they could do an ecmo. The Ecmo was to run through his leg to his heart but that too was unsuccessful. There was too much calcium build up from his vascular disease in his one leg that qualified, which meant too blocked to get through. Other leg wasn't an option at all. They were at a loss. They had to have the Ecmo through the leg to be a successful candidate for any of the larger hospitals to take him on as a new patient. They then installed the Ecmo directly into his Aorta, which required him to also be on a venilator. Wednesday morning came and after much blood loss and super unstable vitals, thing started to look up. His platelets were maintaining themselves and his vitals began to improve, baby steps, but improved. The surgeon came in and said after more calls University of Nebraska Medical Center agreed to take him. This was their first transport ever with an Ecmo going directly to the heart with an open chest. He was transported from Mercy in Sioux City to UNMC in Omaha yesterday at 1pm. He made the trip successfully. Since then he has been in the Critical Care Unit being cared for by the best staff anywhere! With the findings of their staff, they indicated that after his artery collapsed from having a stent put in his heart Dave was without blood for a period of time which has damaged it. Possibly to the point of not being able to function properly on it's own again. He is on several medicines to keep his blood pressure up along with still being on the ecmo machine directly through his chest to do the work for his heart. In order for him to recover, his heart will have to work “on its own”. It will also have to work hard enough to keep his blood pressure up and stable which, right now, it is in no shape to do that. Currently there aren't any signs that this will change. The family is hopeful for a miraculous recovery and will continue praying for that. "From the Family, They want to say thank you to everyone, for all their support and continued prayers through this difficult time. They really do appreciate the love!" I, as Dave's niece, have witnessed the love and support of a small community and what the power of prayer can do. There is a moment though where we all feel completely helpless...asking ouselves...WHAT CAN I DO???? and that is the reason for this Go Fund Me. The Klemme Family will have expenses while they maintain their stay in Omaha with travel, hotel, and meals to mention a few.. and this is one way anyone can help...Prayer Warriors Stay Strong...Stay Strong for Dave, for Sharon, and Paul...and to all the rest of their family❤️❤️