Helping Bob Crowley with Medical Expenses
Bob was born and raised in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. He was diagnosed with Cardiomyopathy 24 years ago. Cardiomyopathy is a hereditary heart disease that makes it hard for the heart to deliver blood throughout the body. Eventually this led Bob into heart failure. The past few years my dad has deteriorated slowly and then suddenly very quickly. He FINALLY was lucky enough to receive his heart transplant on December 16th, 2020.
Unfortunately, the downside of getting a brand-new heart is the anti-rejection medications cost. AFTER insurance, Bob’s medication co-pays alone are immense. Bob needs to focus on his recovery and not have the financial worries that go along with transplant recovery. We are not typically a family that asks for help, but anything is greatly appreciated. My dad has always been my best friend and my hero. We love him and are grateful for any help.
A little more history:
Prior to receiving his heart transplant, my dad was hospitalized for 7 months at UPMC Presby as he was too sick to come home. Before his hospitalization he was essentially confined to his home. His condition gave him little endurance to take just a few steady steps. The limited mobility he has endured for years now requires him to go through daily physical and occupational therapy to rehabilitate himself to live a full, normal lifestyle again. He went through many scary moments and at times thought he wouldn't ever leave the hospital. Luckily, he persevered, and he is finally at home with his dog Jax and his daughter Sarah who has selflessly dedicated herself to helping him work on his recovery daily. Now with his new heart, I’ve gotten to see my dad walk 450 feet because of his new “gift”. Doing this prior was just a dream for my dad.
With the generosity from my fathers donor and their family, the best guy I know has a second chance to live an independent life for himself. We’d like to thank them and everyone who themselves are organ donors. We are not the only recipients eternally grateful for this kind of special gift.
**My name is Ashley Curran, and I am Bob Crowley's daughter-in-law. I am married to his eldest son, Bobby Crowley, JR. and I like to think I'm his favorite child (sorry Sarah). Bobby has always told me stories growing up about how his dad would buy Christmas gifts for those in our neighborhood who needed help financially. His best acts of service were helping special needs children at their local elementary school learn how to read. He would spend time reading to and with them, and participated in as many school events as he could until he became too ill. When Bobby and I started dating 7 years ago, Bob made me feel included from the first day I met him and I was welcomed with open arms (So long as I complied with regular LaRosa’s Pizza Sauce, BBQ Grippo’s and Skyline Chili deliveries. Cincinnati staples he missed from his time living there) into his family. He doesn’t know a stranger and can make anyone feel at ease and like an old friend within just a few moments of speaking with them. Bob needs to focus on his recovery and not have the financial worries that go along with transplant recovery. We are not typically a family that asks for help, but for this amazing father, brother, and friend I am willing to.
