Medical Expenses & Lost Wages for Keith Estabrook!

Keith and Julie have been on a roller coaster of an experience since Thanksgiving weekend. In 10 short weeks, which conversely felt like the longest ever, Keith went from a healthy “young” man to being kept alive with medication, machines and the experienced hands of his phenomenal medical staff. Keith’s journey started with a pneumonia diagnosis two days after Thanksgiving, then back in the hospital a week later where an echocardiogram showed an Ejection Fraction (‘EF’) of only 11% (“normal” range is 50-75%) – with a diagnosis of cardiomyopathy-- and finally on to the long process of approval to be placed on the heart transplant list, which finally happened February 6th. On to the new waiting game…how long would it take to find a donor heart? Turns out, not long at all…

We are pleased to announce that Keith received his “new” heart on February 9th and is exceeding the medical staff’s expectations Those of you that know him well know that he is an overachiever, so of course this journey has been no different--he will be home by the time this posts (7 days from transplant surgery). He continues to amaze us all with what he has accomplished:

Step One: Stay alive to get on the transplant list- DONE!

Step Two: Receive transplant – DONE!

Step Three: Commitment to staying healthy – No brainer, especially if you have seen his transformation over the past couple years.

Of course, all of this comes with a huge price tag. The average cost of anti-rejection medications is estimated to be $33,000 over the course of a year, as well as other post-surgery care costs which can vary greatly depending on the individual patient’s needs, and are not fully covered by insurance. This is added to the fact that Keith has been unable to work, and Julie has taken–and will continue to take—unpaid leave to care for our beloved Keith. We are reaching out to Keith and Julie’s friends and loved ones in hopes that you all can help ease the burdens they are facing.

We are grateful for the prayers and support everyone provided over the last two months. Continue to keep them coming as we celebrate a long, healthy life for Keith!

Our heartfelt sympathy and eternal gratitude go out to the family of the donor ...we would not have our greatest gift without their deepest loss. Please consider signing up to be a donor if you have not already done so.