Joey's Double Transplant Journey
Donation protected
After a long, emotional 17-month journey, Joe has been approved for a heart and liver transplant at Vanderbilt University Medical Center!
In June of 2019, Joe went into heart failure. Unfortunately, this was a familiar obstacle for Joe and his parents; born with Congenital Heart Disease (CHD), Joe has had his share of significant health complications…and has always come out on top. Joe is an expert at beating the odds!
For 37 years, Joe has been treated for CHD – countless surgeries, multiple open-heart, procedures and catheterizations, a Fontan, a pacemaker, and many medication regimens. All of these treatments have been palliative. It was always known that Joe’s heart, even with a Fontan and pacemaker, wouldn’t last forever. Joe is ready for his second heart and second liver!
Getting Joe to this point was no small feat; being accepted to the transplant list was an incredible accomplishment in itself. Getting Joe through this next chapter will be the biggest hurdle yet. While asking for help, financial help no less, is not easy for the Eitl’s, the costs that will be incurred for months of post-transplant medication and recovery treatment will be insurmountable.
The immense outpouring of love and support from the #teamjoe community during this time has been overwhelming and tremendously impactful. Joe's determination and positive attitude are a reflection of everyone who's rooting for him. "I got this!" he always tells us...and we believe him!
We can’t wait until Joe’s back on the dance floor and back on the bocce courts!!
In June of 2019, Joe went into heart failure. Unfortunately, this was a familiar obstacle for Joe and his parents; born with Congenital Heart Disease (CHD), Joe has had his share of significant health complications…and has always come out on top. Joe is an expert at beating the odds!
For 37 years, Joe has been treated for CHD – countless surgeries, multiple open-heart, procedures and catheterizations, a Fontan, a pacemaker, and many medication regimens. All of these treatments have been palliative. It was always known that Joe’s heart, even with a Fontan and pacemaker, wouldn’t last forever. Joe is ready for his second heart and second liver!
Getting Joe to this point was no small feat; being accepted to the transplant list was an incredible accomplishment in itself. Getting Joe through this next chapter will be the biggest hurdle yet. While asking for help, financial help no less, is not easy for the Eitl’s, the costs that will be incurred for months of post-transplant medication and recovery treatment will be insurmountable.
The immense outpouring of love and support from the #teamjoe community during this time has been overwhelming and tremendously impactful. Joe's determination and positive attitude are a reflection of everyone who's rooting for him. "I got this!" he always tells us...and we believe him!
We can’t wait until Joe’s back on the dance floor and back on the bocce courts!!
Organiser
Lacey Eitl
Organiser
Lafayette Hill, PA
