Help Adrian with Medical Bills & Living Expenses

Please help Adrian Howard pay for his medical bills and living expenses for the next year. Adrian's aorta ruptured last month, and he required emergency open-heart surgery while in New York. Adrian's medical team has instructed him to refrain from work for at least a year, as his career is too physically demanding. They have also advised him to stay in New York for follow-up tests and procedures for the next several months. Adrian has a long road ahead without work and away from his home in Barbados. Adrian needs help financially, and we are asking all who know him to please support him through this difficult time. You can read Adrian's recount of the day his heart tested his strength below. Please help him however you can. His story is that of a true miracle, and he is one of the kindest, most enthusiastic and selfless people we know.

The Heart of Hearts - A True Miracle

Rockaway Beach, August 1st, 2022

by Adrian Howard

After finishing up a surf lesson, I went back to the shop to shower, and within 5 minutes, I had a lot of pain in my chest. I told my friend Nigel that the pain was not something I'd ever experienced. I knew I needed help. Nigel quickly took me to Urgent Care where my blood pressure was taken. Both hands were very different in readings. My left-hand pressure was extremely low, while my right was very high. A lady doctor immediately ordered an ambulance to take me to North Shore Hospital. While in the ambulance, my left hand started to go numb. I told this to the gentleman attending to me in the back, and he said to the driver "drive faster and don’t stop for nothing". It was at this point that I knew something was very very wrong. When we got to the hospital, the doctors were waiting and rushed me into the emergency surgery room. I woke up the next day with my chest a little tight from the procedure. I learned that it took the doctors 7 hours to battle my bleeding, and they had to stop my heart to get more control of the bleeding. I also learned that the prognosis was not good prior to surgery and the doctor told me I am a very lucky person to be alive, and I have God’s angels with me. She said I am a miracle because I survived a very bad rupture of the aorta. I feel very blessed to be alive and to have been where I was when this happened.

I remember three days after the physiotherapist came to me and asked if I think I can walk. I told him yes I think I can he asked me if I want to use a walker. I told him no I don’t think I need it. He was shocked when I stood to my feet and walked straight out of my room. I walked past one of the doctors and she stopped what she was doing, called my name and told me I am a walking miracle and I have no idea how critical my situation was. To be walking three days after my whole chest was opened up it’s a miracle to have no pain.

I am truly thankful to God, my friends, my family and all those who help me in my time of need.

~Adrian