In October 2024, I faced a life-changing health crisis when I suffered a heart attack that led to triple bypass surgery. The heart attack left my heart wall damaged, and I have been on dialysis three times a week ever since due to resulting kidney failure. Now, I am in stage 5 kidney failure and in need of a transplant. My cardiologist group discovered that my heart, damaged from the heart attack, has a leaky valve and is not strong enough to withstand another operation. Without this crucial heart surgery, I do not qualify for a kidney transplant, which has made my situation even more challenging.

Determined to find hope, I am seeking a second opinion from the Mayo Clinic in Minnesota. I have already opened a patient file there, but the clinic does not accept my Montana insurance. To begin the process, I must provide a deposit so their cardiology and nephrology teams can review my medical files and see if they can help. This is a pay-as-you-go process, and when the funds run out, so does my chance to qualify for the care I desperately need. Thankfully, I have family in Minnesota who can provide a place to stay, but I am preparing my home for sale and do not have the funds to get my paperwork to the Mayo Clinic or start the review process.

The news of my heart and kidney conditions has blown my mind and changed my life expectancy dramatically. I am reaching out for support from family, friends, and the community I served for years as SPANKY'S and GUS the local Rock n Roll shop in Whitefish. Which I had to sell due to eye issues and having cataract surgery as well. it's a lot!

Your help will give me a fighting chance to get the care I need and determine if my heart can be repaired, or if I need to make the best decision for my future. I pray you can help me through this journey. Thank you.

P.S. while I'm in dialysis for 4 hours 3x a week, I'm keeping busy when I have the energy crocheting baby blankets. That's one of the pics in the profile. I've make 11 so far, had plans for them. More in the process.