Help Keep Andrew’s Heart Beating

Hello. I’m raising funds for Andrew Smith, my nephew.

A quick trip to the free clinic for a nasty cough, or so we thought. The Health Right Clinic in Charleston, WV, informed Andrew that he had ‘stroke level’ hypertension and needed to immediately go to the CAMC ER. There, Andrew was admitted for numerous tests. He was diagnosed with Congestive Heart Failure, Hypertension, onset of Type 2 Diabetes, and Non-Ischemic Cardiomyopathy. Wow!

A long week later, he was finally ready to be discharged and start a drastically new lifestyle. His cardiologist would not allow Andrew to leave until he procured a wearable defibrillator, commonly called a ‘life vest’. Because Andrew’s left heart muscle is so weakened, he is at risk of sudden cardiac arrest. If this happens, the vest would automatically send an electric shock to restart his heart.

Although this vest is amazing, it is super expensive. Andrew’s sister, friend, and aunt scrounged up the $1500 deposit. But the monthly charge for the vest is $3000! The cardiologist estimates at least four months of wearing the vest. Yep - that’s $12,000.

Andrew has no health insurance. Health Right free clinic will pay his hospital bills and prescriptions. How wonderful! But we cannot find any assistance for the $3000 a month. Who makes that kind of money?

Andrew would appreciate any amount you can afford to give. The goal is $12,000. Thanks for giving.