Bucks to help Buck's Heart- Medical & Transportation Costs

Bucks for Buck - From the Heart for the Heart Fundraising Effort

Hello friends, family, and everyone who cares enough to be reading this. Buck is preparing to have open-heart surgery to replace his pulmonary valve, and for him, that means he has 1-3 doctor appointments a week, plus pharmacy visits, and various other activities directly related to his medical needs. Buck is hoping to raise $7500 so he can purchase a used car (and title, insure it, etc.) and help cover some of his out-of-pocket medical expenses. The last few years have been very difficult, and things are starting to look up for Buck.

Buck’s only transportation, a 2004 Chevy Tahoe, has broken down. And not in the “easy fix” kind of way. The water pump went out and it was replaced. After replacing it, it was discovered that antifreeze was still leaking out of the block. There is a chance it is the freeze plug and not a crack in the block, but Buck is unable to do that kind of repair with the state of his health. Buck is also not in a position to pay for the labor this kind of repair would cost, especially since the repair may not help the vehicle.

Buck’s medical insurance does cover 24 rides per year to or from appointments, but he has already used half of them this year. (It covers 24 rides; going to the doctor is a ride and coming home is another, so that is only 12 visits, and he has been utilizing them for appointments on the Kansas side to save on gas and parking fees.)

The Kansas City Metro does have a decent city bus system that Buck has used often the last 2 years, especially since he lives 1 block from a bus stop. Unfortunately, his city, Independence, stopped their city bus service as of December 31. Buck no longer has a bus line anywhere near where he lives.

Buck also is concerned about his wife being able to get to and from the hospital when he has his surgery, or if he gets hospitalized before then. He has been admitted to the hospital 12 or so times in the last 2 years for issues involving his heart.

Buck has endured so much medically to prepare for this surgery. Buck has had recurring staph infections, including 2 that were in his blood. This caused him to have to have his pacemaker removed less than a year after it was put in. Due to this history, he cannot have any active infections when he has his surgery. He was receiving wound care for open sores on his legs and got those all healed up in the last month or so. Buck has undergone several procedures on his heart the last 2 years besides the pacemaker. He has had his heart zapped, a double ablation, and a reading device installed. He still has to get all his teeth pulled before he will be able to have his open-heart surgery.

Buck is a man of Faith, and he knows the only reason he has made it this far is because of his personal relationship with Jesus Christ. And from that relationship, he is able to put aside his pride and ask for help. Please consider giving a few Bucks from your Heart for Buck’s Heart. This Fundraising Campaign has been put together by Buck and his wife LaDonna. Thank you for taking your time to read! Please share!