My husband, Blake, was born with Transposition of the Great Vessels, a congenital heart defect that resulted in his heart pumping the wrong way. He had his first heart surgery at 18 hours old and a second at 9 months. While this saved his life and let him enjoy a fulfilling and mostly healthy life, his heart still doesn't pump the same way the rest of ours do. As a result, over the last 42 years, his heart has worn out and he is in heart failure. 

We learned a couple of months ago that, after years of trying for a second child, I am pregnant with not one, but two babies! We are so excited and looking forward to our growing family.

But two weeks ago today I took Blake to the doctor with shortness of breath only to told to take him to the emergency room. We expected him to be in the hospital just a couple of days, but a few days into his stay we learned the devastating news that he is in need of a heart transplant. He just got out of the hospital this weekend and is feeling better since they got some of the fluid off, but our new lives are just beginning.

Because of the heart failure and upcoming (we hope) transplant, he will need to be out of work for quite some time. And with twins on the way, we can't ignore the loss of income and increase in medical bills. While we're hoping that he will be able to qualify for disability, we all know that the process is a lengthy one and often results in an initial denial. 

Blake is the absolute kindest person I know. He does not brag about his good deeds, but instead I have to drag the information out of him! I've never seen him turn down someone who asks for money or food whether it be a friend or someone on the street. He's bought popcorn we don't eat and coupon books we don't ever use from kids knocking on the door even as I give him the "we don't need that" look. He's given when we had very little to spare and now we both need a little help ourselves to make it through. He hates the idea of asking for money, but the reality is that even with disability we will be short for our mortgage and the upcoming medical bills.

If you feel it in your heart to donate, we gladly will accept it. If you want to help, but don't have money, we appreciate your prayers. If you're local and want to help him with a ride to an appointment, we will likely need it at some point. 

I need him to still be around for a long time. Lennon needs him. And the twins need him.  We love him. 

Thank you so much. 

Meg