Keith Klocke's Heart Attack and Stroke Recovery

Keith Klocke suffered a heart attack and massive stroke on November 23rd. Being a relatively healthy, vibrant, active and athletic 57-year-old, I never expected anything like this to happen to me this young. It was unimaginable. I had dealt with consistent sporadic chest pressure since February last year and even passed a Physical Exam in August, but on the evening of November 23rd, after a normal day of work, My chest pressure started to intensify. Assuming it was normal, I drove home. Then the pain increased, and I was soon aware that this was different. Something was wrong.

I Called 911 for an ambulance which drove me to the hospital immediately for an Emergency Room visit.

My chest pain worsened in the ambulance. I suddenly couldn't talk like normal and had severe breathing issues. Within minutes of arriving at the emergency room, I had even more severe chest pain and difficulty breathing. Doctors immediately admitted me to the ICU and told me I'm being admitted overnight, then 30 minutes later, they scanned my heart and showed me the abnormal heartbeats; it was determined that I have Heart Failure due to Atrial Fibrillation. I spent four days in the ICU for this first ER visit. I've had two more ER visits since then! The harrowing part of this is: The doctors told me that, had we arrived at the hospital any later, I would not have made it. I work as a Mechanical Engineer in the HVAC field and design units used in health care and also coaches Recreational Soccer on the side. Unfortunately, due to starting a new job, I signed up for the cheap insurance which is not covering most of my medical bills.

On top of the huge hospital bills and consistent purchases of medication needed, visits to the cardiologist have just begun. I am most grateful for still being here for my son. It is a blessing. And now the stinging reality of how financially devastating something like this is beginning to set in. I am still recovering, trying to get back to my daily living routine. I've been working on my recovery and the last thing my family wants me to worry about is the bills flowing in.

If you have any means to donate, know that all donations will be used toward Keith's hospital and medical bills. Any amount is intensely and graciously appreciated.