For Kathy's Heart

 

 

My name is Katherine Malone and I need to ask for help.  When I was 28, I became seriously ill and was diagnosed with idiopathic cardiomyopathy. Most of my doctors agree that I caught a nasty virus that was airborne in 1995. Unfortunately, there is no cure for this condition. Cardiomyopathy is a progressive heart disease in which the heart is abnormally enlarged, thickened, and/or stiffened. The heart ability to pump blood is less efficient, often causing heart failure and the backup of blood into the lungs or rest of the body. With my doctors help,  I have an awesome life for the past 23 years, 18 years longer than the average life expectancy of someone with this illness. I have known since day one that I would go in and out of heart failure through the years and possibly be on and off the heart transplant list. A transplant is the only treatment for this disease. During my last transplant work up, my transplant team discussed with me the cost of the transplant medication and how I need to be able to afford it along with my basic life needs. I did not receive a letter stating I would be rejected due to financial inability (I read the letter that has been seen on the Internet where a patient was actually rejected from another transplant program); however, it was made very clear to me that for the first 18 months after a transplant, I have to have a plan on how I would be able to afford the medication. The medication costs around $950 a month, IF I am still covered by my Medigap plan which is an additional $250 a month. According to the Transplant Social Worker, I needed to start thinking about how I can raise the funds.   There are grants and assistance I have applied for.  However, the main suggestion was to starting a crowdfunding account.  This made me feel uneasy because I recently donated to a cause that turned out to be untrue.  I am here to be transparent because I think that story ruined the trust of a lot of people who want to help others. I will have medical papers uploaded to  our group's Facebook page documenting verification of my condition and progress.(Sorry my weight will be blacked out - no woman broadcasts her weight...LOL!!!).

I am also working with my group, “For Kathy's Heart,” to open an online store of crafts/quilts and wearables in February 2019.  I will add the link to the store by January 2019.

I am very scared that my journey will end because I can't afford to take the anti-rejection medications.  I have fought hard to stay alive and want to continue to live. My dream is to work as a medical social worker again and adopt 2 dogs. I need help to reach those goals. I would seriously appreciate any help given.  God bless!

Sincerely,
Katherine Malone

If you can not donate, I would ask if you would please share this page with your friends, family, and co-workers. But most of all I would appreciate your prayers. Thank you.

 

Link to Facebook page

https://www.facebook.com/groups/227785944556516/permalink/227785951223182/