Friends, family and community-- We have some bad news to share. Long story short, I was born with a bicuspid aortic valve, and have carried this condition my whole life. I had my first surgery when I was 18, and in 2013 I underwent a Ross procedure — a complex operation where doctors used my own pulmonary valve to replace my failing aortic valve. Unfortunately, this valve is now failing and I will need to undergo a third surgery. While this is happening, my wife Sarah is also going to be out of work on unpaid leave to be with me as I prepare for, undergo, and recover from surgery.

The timing of this is very difficult since we are also 5 months pregnant with our first kiddo, a baby girl who is due in early September. It is very strange to be navigating the most joyful time of our lives (getting married and being pregnant with our first baby) and one of the most stressful (finding out that surgery is needed imminently). Both of us are very committed to our work, and it's hard to set that aside while we focus on my health, but it's necessary.

We are asking for help during this time because we know we have a network of people who love and support us, and we are truly grateful for all of you. We can't wait to recover from this and continue getting ready for Baby Girl Richards. Your support will help cover lodging near Cleveland Clinic during my hospital stay and immediate recovery (potentially 2–3 weeks), medical costs not fully covered by insurance — including out-of-pocket maximums, prescriptions, and transfer costs, and travel costs for family to visit and help during recovery.