Help 4 Tharon: LVAD Surgery & Rehab
Donation protected
Dear Friends and Family
I am writing to you today to ask for your help for our Tharon. As you know, Tharon is on the list for a heart transplant in Boston. Unfortunately, his health has taken a turn for the worst and he will be undergoing open heart surgery to have an LVAD installed next week. Tharon passed out twice yesterday and was later admitted to the hospital.
The left ventricular assist device, or LVAD, is a mechanical pump that will be implanted inside Tharon’s chest to help his weakened heart pump blood. Unlike a total artificial heart, the LVAD doesn't replace the heart. It just helps it do its job. The LVAD will act as a bridge until Tharon’s new heart is available.
Amongst the normal challenges associated with any open-heart surgery, there are also psychological and emotional obstacles that Tharon may face. Though the LVAD will allow Tharon to continue to live a productive life, there are limitations and lifestyle changes that he will endure. For example, the device contains internal and external components. The pump will sit inside of his body, while the power supply will be outside of his body. He will need to register with the local fire department to ensure he is covered in the case of a power outage; the device will need to be plugged in each night when he goes to bed; etc.
As you can imagine, the medical and general living costs associated with weekly doctor’s appointments, the surgery and post-surgery rehabilitation are going to be astronomical. To make matters worse, as Tharon was preparing for the upcoming surgery, he recently learned that his insurance does not offer a short term or long- term disability benefit. This was a devastating blow to the plan.
This go-fund-me account has been set up to off-set Tharon’s medical and rehabilitation costs. Any help you can provide is much appreciated. I will continue to provide updates as this journey continues. It is important that we also provide the utmost support to our friend and brother.
Over this past year as this journey really kicked off, I have had the pleasure of sharing a house with Tharon. Though we all face obstacles in our day to day lives, Tharon has not had the easiest road, but he would never let that show. Every morning, the coffee was poured and there were lots of laughs before heading into work. People would often see him and say that it looks like nothing is wrong with him. However, they didn't see him on a daily basis or the struggles that he encountered. There have been multiple hospital stays (7-12 days at a clip) to take in excess of 15-20lbs of fluid off of his heart; he has had seizures, passed out, and general fatigue. But when he knew he was going somewhere, that big smile was out for the world to see. He never wanted anyone to worry for or about him – that is his nature. It’s time for Tharon to take a break, focus and prepare for this next chapter of his life. He has touched all of our lives in so many ways. Now it’s time for him to accept help from friends and family.
If anyone would like to send a picture to be posted on this page, please do so. The goal for this account has been set to $50k to offset initial expenses - however as we learn more, we will update you. Please pass this link onto your friends and family who may also know Tharon and want to help.
I am writing to you today to ask for your help for our Tharon. As you know, Tharon is on the list for a heart transplant in Boston. Unfortunately, his health has taken a turn for the worst and he will be undergoing open heart surgery to have an LVAD installed next week. Tharon passed out twice yesterday and was later admitted to the hospital.
The left ventricular assist device, or LVAD, is a mechanical pump that will be implanted inside Tharon’s chest to help his weakened heart pump blood. Unlike a total artificial heart, the LVAD doesn't replace the heart. It just helps it do its job. The LVAD will act as a bridge until Tharon’s new heart is available.
Amongst the normal challenges associated with any open-heart surgery, there are also psychological and emotional obstacles that Tharon may face. Though the LVAD will allow Tharon to continue to live a productive life, there are limitations and lifestyle changes that he will endure. For example, the device contains internal and external components. The pump will sit inside of his body, while the power supply will be outside of his body. He will need to register with the local fire department to ensure he is covered in the case of a power outage; the device will need to be plugged in each night when he goes to bed; etc.
As you can imagine, the medical and general living costs associated with weekly doctor’s appointments, the surgery and post-surgery rehabilitation are going to be astronomical. To make matters worse, as Tharon was preparing for the upcoming surgery, he recently learned that his insurance does not offer a short term or long- term disability benefit. This was a devastating blow to the plan.
This go-fund-me account has been set up to off-set Tharon’s medical and rehabilitation costs. Any help you can provide is much appreciated. I will continue to provide updates as this journey continues. It is important that we also provide the utmost support to our friend and brother.
Over this past year as this journey really kicked off, I have had the pleasure of sharing a house with Tharon. Though we all face obstacles in our day to day lives, Tharon has not had the easiest road, but he would never let that show. Every morning, the coffee was poured and there were lots of laughs before heading into work. People would often see him and say that it looks like nothing is wrong with him. However, they didn't see him on a daily basis or the struggles that he encountered. There have been multiple hospital stays (7-12 days at a clip) to take in excess of 15-20lbs of fluid off of his heart; he has had seizures, passed out, and general fatigue. But when he knew he was going somewhere, that big smile was out for the world to see. He never wanted anyone to worry for or about him – that is his nature. It’s time for Tharon to take a break, focus and prepare for this next chapter of his life. He has touched all of our lives in so many ways. Now it’s time for him to accept help from friends and family.
If anyone would like to send a picture to be posted on this page, please do so. The goal for this account has been set to $50k to offset initial expenses - however as we learn more, we will update you. Please pass this link onto your friends and family who may also know Tharon and want to help.
Organizer and beneficiary
Ralph M
Organizer
Milford, CT
Tharon Cottrell
Beneficiary
