Hello, my name is Chris. I’m fighting for my life, and I’m reaching out for help during the hardest battle I’ve ever faced.

I am now in the early stages of the process toward a heart transplant. I have congestive heart failure and an enlarged heart. My left chamber is weakening, my ejection rate is at 15%, and I deal with Ventricular Tachycardia (VT) — a dangerous rhythm that can cause my heart to stop at any moment. I do have an ICD implant in my chest. The Fireman on my shoulder. My heart Team and I are trying to keep my original equipment as long as we can. Worst case scenario, I end up with an external mechanical that acts as my heart until a heart can be found.

I'm really praying for a miracle to be real with you. I have been strong my whole life and now I am week and tired most of the day. I am scared of what's to come of this. I keep face as I go through this for my sons. But, to tell you the truth I am scared.

On top of that, I have bone degeneration in my lower and mid back. The pain keeps me from working, standing for long periods, sitting for a time, and even sleeping comfortably is a process.

Not to mention, in 2002 I had a pituitary tumor removed and now it's come back. This time it has surrounded an artery and cannot be removed. Now it's a party. There is a high risk of nicking the artery and if that happens, I'm done on the table. The first time having this removed was hard in itself. I won't even talk about ICU that first night. ugh.

I want to live. There are things I want to do before I leave here.

I want to continue fighting. But I cannot do this fight alone. This is where I need your help. You can help me if you feel called to.

Right now, I am unable to work, and I am in the process of applying for SSI and SSD, with an attorney assisting me. I wish I could say this is working out fine but, that would be a lie. This is a story for another time.

What I Need Help With:

1. I’m trying to raise $12,000 to pay off my van.

My van is not a luxury — it is my lifeline.

I financed it through the car lot at LOT 31 in Kenosha WI.

You can reach out to them if you'd like, I'm not hiding anything.

I just need help.

1/5/2026 UPDATE: I lost the van today. Lot 31 came and picked it up.

I am asking for your help to raise money to get a vehicle.

So, I can make it to my doctor appointments.

2. I also need help finding stable housing. Where I'm at is unstable.

My goal is to raise $30,000 to purchase a small used mobile home, where lot rent is 400-450 a month, something stable and mine, where I can heal in peace. I would like to have a home on some land out in the country. I have even thought about a used RV to live in, put it on some land. I can dream right.

This will allow me to:

Keep transportation to medical appointments

Have a safe place to live during treatment

Continue the fight for my life and my future

Why This Means Everything,

I’ve always worked hard, helped others when I could, and tried to stay strong. But right now, I have to do something I never wanted to do:

Ask you for help.

Even sharing this, even $5, means more than I can say.

Your support gives me time, safety, and the chance to make it to my transplant process.

I'm hoping to raise enough to pay off my van, so I don't have to worry anymore about losing it. Now this has changed to getting a vehicle.

The remaining donations will be used to buy a used mobile home or RV that may need a little to no work. Where the lot rent is around $450.00 a month.

Thank you for reading.

Thank you for caring.

Thank you for helping.

With love, respect, and gratitude —

Chris McKinney