Heart transplant Aftercare and Support Fund

My Dad, John Booker, is currently awaiting a critical heart transplant due to heart failure as a result of a heart condition known as transthyretin amyloid cardiomyopathy. As a devoted husband, father and grandfather, my father is now fighting for his life as my mother and him also face the burden of insurmountable medical bills.

My Dad is a former cornerback for the Kansas Jayhawks and was diagnosed with transthyretin amyloid cardiomyopathy (wild-type ATTR cardiac amyloidosis wtATTR – CM) just over a year ago and given a maximum of five years to live. ATTR cardiac amyloidosis, a very rare heart condition that is under-diagnosed, progressive and an infiltrative disease that is very often overlooked and a cause of heart failure. This disease is caused by the buildup of clumps of abnormally folded proteins (known as amyloid fibrils in the heart muscle. When the amyloid fibrils accumulate in the heart they cause the heart to thicken and become more stiff, which diminishes its ability to pump blood effectively and efficiently through the body leading to various cardiac complications.

My Dad began suffering with multiple heart complications a few years ago, not knowing the actual root cause. He was initially diagnosed with congestive heart failure and pulmonary embolism by his local cardiologist. His symptoms seem to worsen followed by increased tiredness, shortness of breath, and abnormal heart arrhythmias. His local cardiologist decided to run a special cardiac test which resulted in the diagnosis of ATTR cardiac amyloidosis. Knowing there was no cure for this disease he began a trial medication to help slow the progression of the disease. Unfortunately, the disease has progressed faster than anticipated and he is now on the list for a heart transplant. For someone iny Dads condition the only option is a heart transplant as a means of prolonging his life.

The transplantation process is very long and can last for (6) six months or more depending on the severity of the patient. His condition has moved him closer to the top of the list, which is why we are seeking funding help to get the family through this difficult time. The estimated cost for a heart transplant is $1,382,400. My Dad has been forced to maintain a part-time job in order to hold medical insurance and ensure coverage for this procedure. However, there is still a tremendous amount of financial hardship that my family will face that include the costs of pre-transplant testing, co-pays and deductibles, post-operative care and rehabilitation, prescriptions, follow up care and testing.

Moreover, my parents live over two hours from the transplant team and the hospital where the testing and surgery will take place. Due to this type of travel distance he will be required to stay locally after hospital discharge to ensure proper care for possibly the first three months. My Dad will need a minimum of (2) two caregivers to help look after him during his recovery resulting in Jacqueline (his wife) and another caregiver being required to also stay locally while he is recovering. The costs of this procedure and out-of-town after care is tremendous and has put a heavy financial burden on my family. His medications alone are estimated to cost over $8k out of pocket per year.

By donating to this fund, you are helping my family cover the additional expenses associated with my Dad's long medical stay including caregiver coverage, meals, transportation expenses to/from the hospital, prescription costs and medical out of pocket expenses.

Our family is extremely grateful for any and all donations! We ask for continued prayers for my Dad and the family during this very difficult time