Help Michael Recover from Heart Surgery
Donation protected
Dear Friends,
Three weeks ago, our world was turned upside down when my nephew, Michael Doucette, was rushed to Maine Medical Center in Portland for a health emergency.
Michael has been battling heart failure for the past two years, but his condition suddenly took a turn for the worse. His heart was failing, and the situation was dire.
Thanks to the incredible efforts of the ICU staff at Maine Medical Center, Michael's health was stabilized. But the reality he faces is still grim: his heart condition has worsened to the point where he now urgently needs a heart transplant. As many of you know, finding a suitable heart for transplant is a challenging and often lengthy process. In the meantime, Michael requires a special surgery to install a Left Ventricle Assist Device (LVAD) to help his heart pump blood until a transplant becomes possible.
On Monday morning, March 18th, Michael had that surgery and his condition has stabilized. We’re hopeful that he can live successfully and happily while waiting for a transplant.
The physical and emotional toll on Michael is overwhelming, and the stress on his family is unimaginable. His mother, father, and sister have to make a 1.5-hour journey - each way - between home and hospital every day. They sacrifice their time, their energy, and their income to be by Michael's side. And the financial strain doesn't end there.
Michael's home needs significant modifications to accommodate his care needs:
- To prevent static electricity from interfering with his LVAD, the carpet needs to be removed.
- The bathroom needs to be outfitted with handlebars, chairs, and rails.
- He needs new all-cotton clothes and linens (again - to prevent static electricity).
- The roof above his bedroom needs to be repaired so that leaks don’t cause mold.
- A dedicated outlet to power the LVAD’s battery charger must be installed.
- An overhauled diet will require many trips to the grocery store for fresh fruits and vegetables and other healthy items.
As you can see, the costs add up quickly.
What’s not so obvious are the “invisible” costs that his family incurs to help Michael through this time:
- He’ll need to travel 2-3 times per week to the hospital for follow-up visits; that’s 2-3 days of lost income for his parents.
- It takes 3 hours round trip between their home and the hospital in Portland, ME. That costs about $40 in gas per visit.
- There will also be trips to a physical therapist at least once per week.
And none of this includes routine health matters - like the dentist - that become even more complicated due to his underlying condition
As his uncle, it's heartbreaking to see Michael and his family facing such profound challenges.
While money can’t cure Michael's illness, it can alleviate a great deal of the stress and anxiety they are experiencing. And that relief could make all the difference for Michael's health and wellbeing.
With Michael’s support, and the family’s humble approval, I’ve created this fundraiser. We’re hopeful that our network of friends, family, and compassionate individuals like you will show your support to Michael and his family. Every donation, no matter how small, will make a meaningful difference in Michael's journey towards healing.
Please consider contributing to Michael's GoFundMe campaign. Your generosity will not only help ease the financial burden on his family but will also uplift their spirits during this difficult time. Thank you for your kindness, your compassion, and your support.
With gratitude,
Uncle Chris Doucette
p.s. I’ll post updates as I get them from the family.
Michael with his sister, Amy, in happier times.
Organizer and beneficiary
Chris Doucette
Organizer
Tamworth, NH
Douglas Doucette
Beneficiary