UPDATE 6/1: Zeke had a follow up with his doctors on May 31st to talk about what next steps look like. He will be going in on June 20th for a biopsy of his heart. They’re hopeful they’ll be able to determine what is causing his heart to remain in heart failure and not show improvement.

UPDATE: Since March 6th, Zeke has been hospitalized twice for complications with his heart. He had an echocardiogram on May 16th to determine if his ejection fraction has improved, stayed the same, or gotten worse. Unfortunately, the results show his heart has made no improvement. Next steps include consulting with his doctors to determine what his options are moving forward. Although the news is disheartening, Zeke is keeping a positive attitude.

On March 6th, Zeke had what doctor’s consider a small stroke. After undergoing several MRIs and CT scans at Swedish Issaquah, Zeke was transferred to Swedish Cherry Hill in Seattle for further evaluation to determine why an active, healthy 26 year old had a stroke.

The doctors were able to determine that Zeke’s heart is the root cause of the stroke. The doctor’s shared that his heart is struggling to pump blood out to his other organs. His Ejection Fraction, which is the percentage of blood his heart is able to pump out, is at 29%. This is considered heart failure. A healthy adult’s heart can pump 60-65%. Because his heart isn’t able to pump blood out properly, the blood pooled there and eventually caused the stroke. In addition, his weakened heart causes an arrhythmia, in his case ventricular tachycardia. This can be lethal if it lasts longer than 30 seconds, and while in the hospital it lasted for 17 seconds during one episode.

Determining why Zeke’s heart is weakened to this degree has been the main focus since he was discharged on March 9th. He has to wear a defibrillator for 3 months because he is at risk of sudden cardiac death. He is unable to work, workout, or do any strenuous activity during this period, and potentially longer. As you know, all of the things he’s unable to do, are the things that he loves most. The road to recovery is full of unknowns, but we are hopeful that God will provide complete healing, and allow Zeke to get back to doing what he enjoys most.

On top of not being able to work during this time, Zeke did not have health insurance at the time of the stroke, because he recently started a new job, so the medical expenses are mounting.

Donations will go directly to Zeke to cover medical bills and living expenses while

he is unable to work. We’re appreciative of any amount donated.