Bruce Skiles' Heart Transplant Fund

In 2002, Bruce Skiles was informed he had a heart defect that nearly took his life - a bicuspid aortic valve that needed to be fixed right away. On Christmas Eve that same year he underwent open heart surgery to fix the valve. God had decided it was not his time. But it was at that point the doctors realized his heart suffered massive damage. This past year on December 17, 2014, almost 12 years later to the day, we found out his heart was weaker than anyone suspected – portions of it were actually dead.  Bruce was admitted to Butterworth Hospital for testing that would put him on the heart transplant list. The other possibility is an LVAD (Left Ventricular Assist Device), which is a bridge to transplant. Bruce made it home for Christmas, but returned to the ER shortly thereafter in a rapidly deteriorating state. He now remains in the Meijer Heart Center awaiting a transplant or an LVAD. 

Bruce has always been a man of faith. His faith has healed him so many times, but this time the Lord has sent him help in the form of a top notch medical staff. But an opportunity such as a transplant also comes with a lot of financial obligations. Bruce is a maintenance manager at a local company. Right now he is off on FMLA, which will expire in about 12 weeks. He will then need to continue with COBRA to remain on the transplant list. Without insurance, he will be removed from the list and face an untimely death.  

Bruce has labored his entire life as a dependable, blue-collar worker. But more importantly, he has been a loving husband, father, grandfather, brother, and friend. Bruce is now asking for your support in his time of need. While your prayers are always important, the hospital requires financial assurances. Bruce needs to cover his medical and living expenses for only 2 years until he can reach Medicare eligibility. Won’t you please help?