Deb Rush has always been a fighter. Over the past decade, she’s faced multiple heart surgeries, starting with congestive heart failure and most recently receiving a left ventricle assist device (LVAD). Despite her strength and determination, Deb’s heart is now too weak, and she’s experiencing clots and stroke symptoms that prevent her from returning home to Iowa. She must remain in Nebraska, waiting for the life-changing opportunity of a heart transplant.

This journey has deeply affected our family. My dad Ron and I are doing everything we can to be by Deb’s side, but travel and hotel expenses are a constant challenge. With my dad retired and myself out of work, we’re grateful to have the time to support her, but the financial strain of staying near the hospital—even with discounts—makes it difficult to be with her 24/7. The uncertainty of when a transplant will happen means we need to be ready at any moment, whether it’s tomorrow or months from now.

A successful heart transplant would transform Deb’s life. She would no longer need to rely on the LVAD, freeing her from battery packs and wall power. Deb dreams of traveling, running errands, and enjoying everyday moments without exhaustion. Her greatest wish is to continue being present for our family milestones—she was able to see me graduate and get married, and now she hopes to be there when I start a family with my husband Tyler. With a new heart, Deb will have the chance to share in these future joys and continue inspiring us all with her resilience.