Help The Foley's with Joe's Heart Transplant Journey

On November 13, 2023, Joe Foley had a massive heart attack. Joe was taken to the ER with flu-like symptoms, but after an EKG, it was determined he was actively having a heart attack. After receiving three stents and a solid report from the surgeon, Joe went into cardiogenic shock. Joe was transported to ORMC, where he began the fight for his life. Additional blood clots were discovered, and he was put on a ventilator with a 20 percent chance of survival. Joe remained on the ventilator for 2 weeks. We learned that every day on the Ventilator was the equivalent to not moving his body for 14 days. Joe beat the odds, which many said was a medical miracle.

After intense therapy for several weeks, Joe got to come home to his family. He was able to watch his daughter, Fiona, perform in dance competitions and graduate from high school. He got to watch his son, Calum, compete in golf tournaments and start his senior year of high school. And he was able to spend quality time with his wife, Katie, and family during the holidays. However, not even a year later, Joe is back in the hospital. The cardiology team determined a heart transplant is needed. On September 25, 2024, Joe had open-heart surgery where he received a left ventricular assist device (LVAD) that helps the heart pump blood to the body, which will act as a bridge to a heart transplant. He will remain in the hospital for several weeks and come home until his match is found.

There is still a long road ahead for them all. Home modifications are needing to be made for him. Katie will need to stay at home and care for Joe around the clock. This GoFundMe will help them with their doctor bills and Joe’s rehabilitation. The Foley family is not a family that asks for help, but those who have walked through this with them believe that this will bless them and their children tremendously.

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