Join Matt's Battle Against Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy

Hi. My name is Rachael Pritchard and I am Ruth’s cousin. I started this Go Fund Me page to inform you of a family medical situation involving the Plank Family. Ruth and Matt have lived in a whirlwind of doctor appointments, surgeries, testing, and more over the past several months. Matt had no idea he had a genetic heart condition until November when he went in for a routine physical for his job. At the appointment, the doctor informed him that he had a heart murmur. He was then sent back to his primary care physician, who ordered various tests to determine what was going on. After testing revealed PVC’s (Premature Ventricular Contractions) plus other issues, he was sent to a Cardiologist who ordered an MRI and stress test. Matt then wore a Holter heart monitor to detect the irregular heartbeats. It was at this time that Ruth and Matt learned that he probably had what is known as Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy. He was referred to a Cardiac Electrophysiologist who determined that he needed to have a cardiac ablation to try and fix the serious ventricular rhythm issue he was having that was caused by hypertrophic cardiomyopathy.

On March 11th, Matt had a cardiac ablation, and the doctor was able to treat some areas causing issues, but he was not able to treat all of them. His rhythm improved greatly, and additional medicines were started. During the surgery, it became known that Matt had a more serious rhythm issue than was originally known. He was at risk for SCD (sudden cardiac death) and needed to have an ICD (defibrillator) put in. Ventricular Tachycardia is the reason why a defibrillator is needed. This required yet another surgery. In the meantime, the doctor prescribed a LifeVest device for Matt to wear to save his life in case he went into cardiac arrest while they waited for his next surgery. Then, on March 24th, Matt underwent his second surgery to have an ICD placed. The surgery was successful, and his follow-up appointments have gone well. He is not allowed to lift anything over 10 lbs and has several other restrictions in place until his next appointment on May 15th.

Matt and Ruth never expected this to happen and do not have reserves to help with the huge medical bills that have accumulated, and not all will be covered by insurance. Matt has also used all of his paid time off and vacation time for medical appointments, so the days he is off right now recovering are unpaid. Any additional days off needed this year will be unpaid as well. He is not able to do the same job that he had before, but thankfully, God has provided a great employer that values him and his hard work ethic, and they are working to transition him to other duties. Matt has returned to work on a limited time basis, as he is still recovering from the physical strain of two surgeries within two weeks.

Matt will possibly need to travel to Cleveland Clinic, where they will be able to continue his treatments with even more specialized care. There is likely a genetic component that caused the Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy, and the three kids will be going to Riley Children's Hospital in Indianapolis this June to have an EKG, Echo, and genetic testing. It is important that the children have this done. Many times when you hear of children suddenly dying while playing sports, dancing, etc, it is usually HCM that is the cause. They will need to be followed throughout their lives as this is something that can come up at any time.

Money raised will help to cover hospital bills, household bills, and travel expenses. It will allow Matt to be able to take off work to travel with his family to various doctors' appointments in the upcoming months.