Joey's Heart of Gold

On September 20, 2021 one my best friends Holly Byers received one of the most devastating calls she could receive. The love of her life and her child’s father Joey Wallace was admitted into Oschners Hospital in Baton Rouge, Louisiana three hours away from home. He was working at the time and experienced a massive heart attack where he underwent a surgery to place a stent for a 100% blockage to his main artery. The cardiologist assured Holly the blockage was cause by a blood clot not a poor life style. Unfortunately we may or may not ever know what caused the blood clot due to Joey's heart being to weak to find out. Joey was not expected to live through the night. Statistics show that less than 20% of people who have experienced similar heart attacks have not survived. Statistics also show that the first sign of heart disease in 65% of people is death. Thank GOD that Joey was not a part of those statistics. Fortunately, Joey survived and is doing well. God is good and we must always remember that! Joey is however out of work and we are not sure for how long. His Ejection Fracture of his heart was at 25% when he had the stent placed. He is now at 20%. The cardiologist said that he is optimistic for Joey as he has already surprised him. Joey did have insurance through his place of employment but of course, there are deductibles, the cost of Holly staying out of town for the week three hours from home to care for Joey after surgery and taking time off work unpaid, Joeys upcoming doctor appointments and cardiac therapy, future medications and deductibles, travel expenses to Baton Rouge where Joey's cardiologist is and ongoing expenses that will surround this amazing family with a huge burden on their shoulders. Holly and Joey have never been the type of people to ask for help in anyway unless it is absolutely necessary. We all know what the burden of these expenses start adding up to and this is not something that I want my friends to go through while Joey is striving to heal and get back to his normal life. The doctor wants Joeys heart to be at 30-35% before getting back to even working a desk job. The reality of it is that Joey will possibly never work in his lifelong dream career and land survey ever again. Joey is that person that will always say “Do what you love and you will never work a day in your life!” This is heart breaking enough and I can’t imagine the financial stress this will bring upon this family.

Being miles and many hours away from Holly and Joey during this tragic and stressful time I am unable to help in anyway. I wish I was able to make and prepare meals for them, offer child care to Landry during the day/overnight, help with daily errands, house cleaning and grocery shopping. Any one with kids knows how difficult that is to do with a toddler alone, and the overwhelming stress and financial strain on anyone. Holly is left doing all the house chores, working full time, going to school fulltime -to pursue her lifelong dream- and nursing her loved one back to good health. THIS here is a way I feel I can be there and help them in this time of need. Any contribution helps tremendously. If you are unable to offer a donation to Joey's medical expenses please consider helping with one of the items listed above.

Thank you for your generosity to Joey, Holly and Landry! They love and appreciate all of you!

Any excess funds after expenses are paid will be donated to the Louisiana American Heart Association.