Diana Schunn Benefit

If you’ve had a chance to meet or spend time with Diana Schunn, you know what a remarkable woman she is. Diana (mom) has positively impacted many people, whether it be during her time as a SANE/SART Nurse, Executive Director of the CAC of Sedgwick County, volunteer on various committees or Board of Directors, her efforts within the Mennonite Church, a player and fan of sports, or as a loving wife, parent, and family member. Suffice to say, Diana is a remarkable person.

What may not be as well-known, however, are the obstacles Mom has overcome. In 2009, Diana was diagnosed with Arrhythmogenic Right Ventricular Cardiomyopathy, or ARVC, after unexpectedly being unresponsive for a short time during a business meeting. The particularly rare diagnosis resulted in Diana having a pacemaker and defibrillator put in place and modifying her lifestyle (limited physical activity, a strict low salt diet, and numerous medications).

Diana has been blessed with 13 relatively healthy years since then. This past year, however, signs of deterioration became apparent. A procedure was scheduled in early March that was expected to improve the situation. However, upon returning home, her condition worsened to the point of being forced to spend a short but stressful stint in the CCU at Wesley Medical Center. It was there that Diana learned that she was in right-sided heart failure.

Diana was referred to St. Luke’s Heart Institute in Kansas City, where she endured a week of extensive testing and procedures to determine if she was eligible for a heart transplant. Thankfully, it was decided that Diana was, indeed, eligible. However, to prevent further damage to other organs while waiting for a transplant, Diana must receive a mechanical heart pump which will be placed on June 3rd, 2022. Unfortunately, the device will require her to remain in CVICU at Saint Luke’s Hospital until a heart transplant becomes available. While the transplant approval was the outcome we were hoping for, the next several weeks or possibly months will be a test of patience and perseverance as we await a donor heart to become available.

Mom would never be one to ask for money for herself, seeing as a good portion of her life has been dedicated to raising funds for the care and support of others. However, our family has been humbled by the outpouring of requests from Mom’s many circles to offer support during this difficult time; we felt that this was the best vehicle to accept those requests. Please do not feel obligated to donate, but if you feel so led, the entire Schunn family thanks you for your willingness to support the cost of these medical procedures. Also accepted are entertainment recommendations, such as audiobooks or podcasts, while Diana waits in the hospital. She will also be traveling back and forth from home to Kansas City regularly following the transplant, so suggestions on how to pass the time are welcome. Most importantly, thoughts and prayers for a swift recovery are welcome and greatly appreciated.

We thank you for your love and support for our mom as she begins this journey to receive a new, healthy heart.

Love,

Casey and Kylee Schunn (the kids)