Hello I am Ricky Tebrugge and you probably know me from Kansas Missing & Unsolved. I have been undergoing tests on my heart for a couple of months now. It started with an echocardiogram 2 months ago. It was discovered that I have a leaky artic valve. About a month ago I had a cardiac MRI done to discover that I have a small aneurysm on my aorta. then last week I had a CT scan done on my chest and Today I had a consultation with 2 heart surgeons.

The results are that on October 2, 2025 I have to undergo open heart surgery to replace my aortic valve and repair my aortic valve leaflets. I will be in ICU for up to a week after surgery and at home for 2 months recuperating. During this time I will not be working and disability will take way too long to get started (new claims are taking over 200 days be processed) so income will take a heavy hit.

I am starting this GoFundMe to help with living and medical expenses so any help would be greatly appreciated. My older daughter (who is intellectually disabled) is living with me so she will benefit from this as well. My younger daughter has said she will be pulling extra hours to help me too and during her down time will be here to help me.

Thank you in advance for you help and generosity

Ricky Tebrugge