Randi's Heart Fund
Donation protected
In September of 2012, my beautiful and brave sister, Randi (Phillips) Fowler, was diagnosed with a genetic heart condtion known as ARVD (Arrhythmogenic Right Ventricular Dysplasia). ARVD causes an abnormality in the timing or pattern of a heartbeat that presents as a racing heartbeat, skipping heartbeat, palpitations, or fluttering sensation. At the time of her diagnosis, my sister was already experiencing symptoms that would only get worse over time.
In May of 2014, Randi had her first pacemaker put in. A pacemaker is a small device that's placed in the chest or abdomen to help control abnormal heart rhythms. This device uses low-energy electrical pulses to prompt the heart to beat at a normal rate. Unfortunately, this pacemaker was not implanted properly and had to be removed in November of the same year while my sister was 16 weeks pregnant with her second child. The second pacemaker seemed to be working better, but the strain from her second pregnancy and the demands of caring for an infant have caused the second pacemaker to not function properly and her heart to develop cardiomyopathy and fail considerably.
This week my sister was admitted to the hospital for symptoms associated with Congestive Heart Failure (CHF). Currently her heart is functioning at 15% and severely enlarged. In human people terms, this means that my beautiful, vibrant, funny, opininated 28 year old sister has the heart of a 70 year old heart patient.
On Friday, September 25th, she is being sent to Boone Hospital to have a THIRD pacemaker implanted with more leads and approximately three weeks after the pacemaker is implanted she will go back to Boone to have an ablation procedure which will make her 100% pacemaker dependent.
It is the hope of Randi's physicians that these procedures will allow her heart to quit working so hard and for her cardiomyopathy to improve. Ideally, we would like for Randi's heart to regain 40-50% of it's function.
Not only is my sister a stay-at-home mom with a 4 month old and 8 year old who desperately need her, but she is currently taking on all of this without the assistance of medical insurance due to a lapse in her previous coverage thanks to the wonders of ObamaCare.
My family and I have set up this Go Fund Me page in an effort to raise funds for my sister and her family to help cover the cost of her medical expenses, as well as to help with personal expenses since my brother-in-law has had to take non-paid time off from work to be there for my sister and to take care of the boys.
If you know my sister, you know her "real" heart.
Her heart that is always giving, praying, and loving others. She has bravely taken on the challenges this life has chosen to give her with a smile, and she is always pointing others toward her faith in Christ as her source of strength and peace no matter how long or dark her valleys may seem. In my eyes, she is the very epitome of a fighter, but today I would like to invite all of you to help me fight for her.
If you are able to share $5, $10, $20, or even $100 to help my sister and her family during this difficult time, please know that your contribution no matter what the amount will be accepted with hearts that will be truly humbled by your generosity.
If you are not able to donate at this time, all that we ask is that you please share this Go Fund Me page on your Facebook wall or with your friends, so that other people might have the opporunity to read my sister's story and help us help her during this difficult time.
And as always, please know that we as a family covet your prayers and your encouragement for my sister and her family.
This life is definitely not for the faint of heart, and I cannot imagine what it must be like for those who have to walk their journey without faith or the love and support of their family, friends, and community.
We love you, Randi.
In May of 2014, Randi had her first pacemaker put in. A pacemaker is a small device that's placed in the chest or abdomen to help control abnormal heart rhythms. This device uses low-energy electrical pulses to prompt the heart to beat at a normal rate. Unfortunately, this pacemaker was not implanted properly and had to be removed in November of the same year while my sister was 16 weeks pregnant with her second child. The second pacemaker seemed to be working better, but the strain from her second pregnancy and the demands of caring for an infant have caused the second pacemaker to not function properly and her heart to develop cardiomyopathy and fail considerably.
This week my sister was admitted to the hospital for symptoms associated with Congestive Heart Failure (CHF). Currently her heart is functioning at 15% and severely enlarged. In human people terms, this means that my beautiful, vibrant, funny, opininated 28 year old sister has the heart of a 70 year old heart patient.
On Friday, September 25th, she is being sent to Boone Hospital to have a THIRD pacemaker implanted with more leads and approximately three weeks after the pacemaker is implanted she will go back to Boone to have an ablation procedure which will make her 100% pacemaker dependent.
It is the hope of Randi's physicians that these procedures will allow her heart to quit working so hard and for her cardiomyopathy to improve. Ideally, we would like for Randi's heart to regain 40-50% of it's function.
Not only is my sister a stay-at-home mom with a 4 month old and 8 year old who desperately need her, but she is currently taking on all of this without the assistance of medical insurance due to a lapse in her previous coverage thanks to the wonders of ObamaCare.
My family and I have set up this Go Fund Me page in an effort to raise funds for my sister and her family to help cover the cost of her medical expenses, as well as to help with personal expenses since my brother-in-law has had to take non-paid time off from work to be there for my sister and to take care of the boys.
If you know my sister, you know her "real" heart.
Her heart that is always giving, praying, and loving others. She has bravely taken on the challenges this life has chosen to give her with a smile, and she is always pointing others toward her faith in Christ as her source of strength and peace no matter how long or dark her valleys may seem. In my eyes, she is the very epitome of a fighter, but today I would like to invite all of you to help me fight for her.
If you are able to share $5, $10, $20, or even $100 to help my sister and her family during this difficult time, please know that your contribution no matter what the amount will be accepted with hearts that will be truly humbled by your generosity.
If you are not able to donate at this time, all that we ask is that you please share this Go Fund Me page on your Facebook wall or with your friends, so that other people might have the opporunity to read my sister's story and help us help her during this difficult time.
And as always, please know that we as a family covet your prayers and your encouragement for my sister and her family.
This life is definitely not for the faint of heart, and I cannot imagine what it must be like for those who have to walk their journey without faith or the love and support of their family, friends, and community.
We love you, Randi.
Organizer
Ashley Phillips
Organizer
Camdenton, MO
