Heart Transplant for Mike Baldwin, Unadilla NY
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Update 5/7/23:
Thank you to everyone who has reached out, donated and shared, and have been a great support system to the family. So many family and friends are invested in this journey and we would like to keep you in the know.
So Sandy and Mike had a meeting with the doctors. The news was disheartening. According to the Drs, when Mike had cancer at 6 mos old the medicine that was used to treat the cancer is not what is used today. It took care of the cancer, but 53 years later, the scar tissue buildup from the radiation is thick. The Dr said that even if they were to open him up, they would have to fight to get through the scar tissue. Also Mikes lungs aren’t strong enough to withstand any surgery….including the much needed hernia operation. Therefore, the heart transplant is off the table at this time.
The next step is to take off as much fluid from his lungs as possible. The goal is to slowly increase exercise to strengthen his lungs so he can come home. The ultimate goal is to gain strength and then revisit the transplant. The doctors have requested a family meeting on Thursday.
In the meantime while Mike is laying in his hospital bed, he is being told that his health insurance turned down his ambulance ride from Albany to Rochester and his admission in Rochester is not covered.
Please continue to pray and keep Mike and his family in your thoughts. Please SHARE SHARE SHARE this post. Every little bit helps!!!
P.S. Mike says Thank you and appreciates everything. He quoted Tim McGraws song and is going to “LIVE LIKE HE IS DYING”. Anyone who knows Mike, this is hard for him to quote because he is a hairnation kind of guy
ORIGINAL STORY
For those of you who may or may not know, our brother-n-law Mike Baldwin needs a heart transplant. His heart is only working at 20% - causing his kidneys to stop working properly. He also needs a hernia operation, but his heart isn't strong enough to take it.
Mike's health issues began as an infant when he was diagnosed with cancer. He had several operations which included removing some ribs. This cancer caused stress on the heart. Mike has had his share of health issues, but nothing compares to this.
Mike was in Oneonta Fox Hospital and discharged. 3 days later, he ended up in Albany Medical for 3 weeks before being transferred to Strong Memorial Hospital in Rochester, NY this past Tuesday. They are testing everything head to toe - including eyesight, hearing, dental, etc. Mike's days are filled with Echocardiograms, Ultrasounds, Catheterizations and PT exercises.
Mike had 2 more years to retire from 33 years of service as a City Employee. He was getting ready to be put on light duty when he was admitted to the Hospital. Due to being unable to perform his expected duties, Mike was released from employment. He is still fighting to get disability. With that being said, his wife Sandra is the only income in the family. She is working 10 hour days & any OT she can get all while trying to be supportive to Mike and trying to travel to Rochester which is 3 hours - 1 way.
Mike is undergoing the most challenging part of his life. Sandra, Son Mikey & Daughter Savannah can use all the help they can get. Out of love & admiration, we are asking for donations of any size to support the Baldwin Family through this difficult time.
Donating will cover medical expenses, travel expenses & loss of income. If you are unable to monetarily donate, please consider sharing this post far & wide. $10 from a stranger matters. $20 from a coworker makes a difference. We thank you for your support. Please keep Mike & his family in your thoughts & prayers.
To mail cards of encouragement, the address is:
Mike Baldwin
696 SH 7, lot 42
Unadilla, NY 13849
Thank you,
The Families of Sandra & Mike Baldwin
Organisateur et bénéficiaire
Melissa Baker
Organisateur
Unadilla, NY
Sandra Baldwin
Bénéficiaire