Jerry's Heart Transplant: Your Help Matters

Hello, my name is Jerry. Five years ago, I was diagnosed with congestive heart failure with an 8% ejection fraction. I had to have a defibrillator installed. I was functioning until June 2004, when I was told a heart transplant was the only option. I went to Ochsner's in New Orleans, and my new journey began.

I had a right heart catheterization, during which I spent three weeks removing fluid. I got evaluated for a heart transplant; my A1C was at 8.4 and needed to be under 7. After two months, I got it to 6.6. I had another right heart catheterization, and this time they found an infection on the defibrillator leads. Everything had to come out. Another three weeks in the hospital. I got to go home for two weeks, then back in the hospital until January for water retention.

On February 3rd, I made it on the heart transplant list. I was admitted on February 12th to have a balloon pump installed. After a week, it was replaced with an Impella, which meant I would not leave until I got a heart or other solution. On April 9th, I finally got a heart and started the next leg of recovery. On April 22nd, I got to move into apartments next to the hospital.

I've used all my savings, and bills are adding up. My wife had to take off work to care for me 24/7. I'll get back on my feet, but with two residences, it's hard. Any help would be appreciated.I thank you for just reading this.

update I'm getting better every day. I can now walk without a walker