❤️Justen's Heart ❤️

Hi, My name is Tod Grupen. My wife Ilona and I are raising funds to help cover the cost of after-heart transplant surgery care for our son Justen Kamalu-Grupen. He is 25 years old and until four weeks ago was the very picture of health. He lives in Kona, HI working in the construction field. For whatever reason, his heart has failed and he is in the Cardiac Intensive Care Unit (CICU) at Cedars-Sinai Hospital in Los Angeles waiting for a heart transplant.

At this time he is on an Impella Heart Pump. Without the pump, his heart would not be able to sustain life. Until he finds a heart, he will remain in CICU.

Why it's important to us may sound selfish. As a parent, we care that our children are taken care of no matter what the cost is. We are keenly aware that in this particular case, someone must lose their life in order for Justen to live. We have been guided by a principle that drives us to send love in advance to them. To the family that is grieving their loss, we hope that the knowledge that the heart that beat in their loved one is giving life to someone else. We pray that it helps ease the pain of their loss and brings closure to a difficult part of their lives.

We will use the proceeds of this GoFundMe campaign to cover the cost of transportation, lodging, and costs not covered by insurance. Once Justen is released he would have to travel from where we live in San Diego to Cedars-Sinai for all of the aftercare required of Transplant patients. He will be required to be there twice a week in the beginning, then weekly after that. Meaning he would have to spend 4-7 hours a day on the road with every visit. This care can last up to 6 months after surgery.

I have made the trip from San Diego to the hospital numerous times since he arrived. The roads can make even a healthy individual uncomfortable. I am familiar with what happens during a heart transplant. We are concerned that the constant jostling would be uncomfortable at a minimum. It may also be dangerous to continue to do it over time. At the moment his mother and I are taking turns being with him. The cost of transportation, lodging, parking, and food are not all covered by insurance. Until Justen can make it back to Hawaii we think that finding a place relatively close to the hospital will be extremely beneficial for him.

Justen's younger sister will be handling all the finances associated with this campaign. She is an accountant and is the highest qualified to take on this responsibility.

We want to thank you in advance for your consideration and will be eternally grateful for anything you can do to support Justen's recovery.