Hello, I’m Barb Heithoff, a retired heart nurse and Cardiac Rehab RN. I’m reaching out to all of you today to ask you to join me in supporting my former patient and friend, Tito Santiago, who is in much need of a Heart Transplant. Over the last 19 years, Tito has had multiple heart attacks and heart procedures requiring Cardiac Rehab, which is how I met Tito.

Many of you know Tito as the Custodian at Beadle Elementary School in Yankton, SD and more recently as a Greeter at Walmart. He is truly a man of resilience as his goal during Cardiac Rehab was always to return to work. He loved his work and even more, making the students at his school smile. His work was interrupted multiple times over the years with ongoing heart issues requiring many heart procedures and hospitalizations, taking a major toll on their lives and finances. Several years ago he had to retire as his health was deteriorating and now has led to the need of a heart transplant.

His medical team for this surgery is in Omaha which is requiring ongoing overnight trips to Omaha for testing, procedures and preparation for his transplant. Following the surgery will entail an extended stay in Omaha and then weekly trips to Omaha for ongoing treatment and care. The expense of these required hotel stays, including gas, and food for the next 6 months are extra expenses they can not afford. Tito’s devoted wife Lynette is always at his side but this will take her away from her work which pays their monthly bills.

This beautiful couple have struggled so much over the years with medical bills for Tito’s health. Can I ask you to please join me in praying for Tito and supporting them on this life saving journey to help Tito, who loves his wife and family and the Minnesota Vikings return to a better quality of life. Thank you and God Bless You All.