David's Life-Saving Heart Transplant Journey

The family and friends of Dave and Julie Nelson are reaching out during this most challenging time of their lives navigating through David's health crisis.

Background and Recent Health Developments:

During the first week of February, David came down with all the typical symptoms of the flu. He celebrated his 57th birthday on the 10th and still wasn't up to par. On February 17th, he checked into the Del Norte Emergency Room near their home in South Fork, CO and was told he had suffered a heart attack. He was immediately flown to UCHealth Parkview Medical Center in Pueblo, CO, where they cared for him diligently for 10 days. He was sent home to begin recuperating.

Only three days later, On March 3rd, he was taken by ambulance to the Del Norte Emergency Room where he was transported again to UCHealth Parkview Medical Center for a second time. David's heart was severely damaged and his lungs were filling with fluid. He remained in the Cardiovascular ICU in critical condition until March 18th when it was safe to fly him to University of Colorado Anschutz Hospital in Denver.

Once there, the amazing Trauma Center staff immediately treated him in the Cardiothoracic ICU. He was placed on an ECMO machine, had an Impella device installed and after he became stable, qualified him for Heart Transplant at a status level 2. The talented team of specialized nurses, doctors and support staff literally kept him alive.

Within a day, a donor was a match for David and he was given a second chance at life on March 21st. We will be forever grateful to the medical team, the donor, and their family for the greatest gift of life. David and Julie will have to remain in Denver for treatment, rehabilitation, multiple appointments and 24/7 care for many weeks.

As many of you know, David had given up his traveling job to operate the liquor store he and Julie recently purchased. Julie took leave from her full-time job to be by his side and they will lose their insurance soon. It is unknown when David will be able to return to work, due to his anticipated lengthy recovery.

How You Can Help:

First and foremost, thank you for taking the time to read David’s story and the journey David and Julie continue to travel. They have always been the first to lend a hand, and now it’s our chance to help them when it's needed the most. Your generous donations will help David and Julie by covering medical expenses, including life-long medications, daily living costs, medical travel for the upcoming year and post-transplantation care. This will allow them to concentrate on David's health and recovery without the burden of financial stress. Every contribution, no matter the size, will make a significant difference in their lives and support their journey back home to South Fork. If anything, please share our campaign, send positive thoughts and prayers or become a donor. Your kindness, love, and support mean the world to our family, and we thank you from the bottom of our hearts ❤️