Hi, my name is David Brenchley, and I’m a 69-year-old man fighting to keep my heart beating. I’ve been diagnosed with heart disease, including bradycardia (a dangerously slow heartbeat) and left bundle branch block (LBBB), which means the electrical signals in my heart aren’t working properly, leaving me weak, dizzy, and at constant risk. I’ve survived four heart attacks—two just in the past year—and each one has taken a toll. Right now, I’m living in Belize because my Social Security income couldn’t cover my mortgage and utilities back in the U.S., forcing me to stretch my limited financial resources as far as they’ll go.

I don’t have Medicare Part B—it didn’t make sense to keep it since I’m no longer in the U.S.—but that leaves me without the coverage I desperately need. My doctors say a pacemaker is my best shot at stabilizing my heart and preventing another attack that I might not survive. The problem is, I can’t afford it on my own.

Here’s the breakdown: A pacemaker procedure can cost between $20,000 and $40,000, depending on the device and surgery. If I were in the U.S. with Medicare Part A (which I have), it might cover the hospital stay if done inpatient, but without Part B, I’d still be out of pocket for the device itself ($10,000-$20,000) and doctor fees ($5,000-$10,000)—a total of $15,000-$30,000 out of pocket in the U.S. Here in Belize, private care is my only option, and estimates put the total at $25,000 with no insurance to lean on. That’s why I’m turning to you for help.

I’m setting a funding goal of $25,000 to cover the pacemaker, surgery, and follow-up care. Every dollar will go straight to getting me back on my feet. If, by some miracle, we raise more than I need, I intend to donate every unused penny to a charity—so your generosity can keep helping others like me.

I can’t tell you how much this means to me. I’ve fought hard to stay alive, and your support could be the difference between another heart attack and a chance to keep going. From the bottom of my heart—weak as it may be—thank you for reading, sharing, and giving whatever you can. I’m truly grateful.

UPDATE: I am in awe of your graciousness. Thank you so very much. After consulting a Cardiologist here in Belize, we've better nailed the cost of the procedure here. Totals for tests, the pacemaker and post procedure care shouldn't be over 9000.00 USD. I've changed the goal to reflect that.