Giving for Gooch : Louie Needs a Heart Transplant

Louie Vacanti needs a new heart. His heart is no longer working correctly and doctors say that he is a candidate for a heart transplant. Louie is only 34 years old. Gooch is my younger cousin and on behalf of my family, I can honestly say that this whole process has been heartbreaking. 

Back in 2014, Louie got diagnosed with myocarditis. He had a sinus infection that was not properly treated and attacked his heart. Myocarditis causes abnormal heartbeat and in some cases, it clears up with medication. In extreme or rare cases, it causes heart failure and devices are needed to help with heart function. Louie is one of those extreme cases. 

Throughout the last 7 years, Louie has had a defibrillator and pacemaker put in to help regulate his heart. Over the last 6 months things have gotten worse. He’s been in and out of the hospital, unable to work, and most recently has been transported to Strong Memorial Hospital for a right heart catheterization to measure how well his heart is pumping and his organs are working. 

This weekend, he will be going through major surgery to place the LVAD, the step before getting a new heart. It is now clear to the doctors that Louie’s heart is dying and will never get strong enough with the pacemaker that he has to beat on its own. 

Louie has a huge family that loves him. He has 2 children, Arianna and Anthony, that love their father so much, and can’t wait to see him healthy again. He has an amazing girlfriend, Alicia, who has been his rock and is doing everything she can to make their living space comfortable for when he comes home. He has a mom and brothers, aunts and uncles, his grandmother, cousins and friends that are heartbroken over Gooch’s broken heart. 

Please consider giving to help with the medical expenses and financial situation this disease has put him in, so that this process can be as stress-free as possible. Your donation, no matter how big or small, would mean the world to him and his family, and would help support him getting a new heart.