Hafa Adai,

 

My name is Gwendolyn San Nicolas and I am seeking your support for my husbands medical treatment in California. On May 5th we were referred to the closest emergency room after visiting the doctors office for a routine follow-up of lab work that was completed. That day would forever change us.

 

While in the ER we were told that he suffered a heart attack and that a cardiologist was being consulted. The first week of stay in GMH he was placed in the Telemetry unit. Multiple tests, xrays, and an EKG were completed. All I remember were the words "your husband has a very weak heart, only functioning at 15%". On May 12th he was transferred to the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) and underwent an emergency surgery to stop a bleed that was caused as a result of attempting to insert a catheter. The Urologist was able to stop the bleed however the consulting ICU doctor at the time had a much different outlook on his condition. I was advised early morning shortly after the surgery to "call a priest to have him read your husband his last rites. If lucky, he may live for only 6 months to a year at most or die of complications." In that moment my heart stopped, my world ended. I didn't know what I would do without "my person" who I've spent the last 26 years with. I am forever grateful to his ICU nurse that morning for comforting me with a warm embrace, lending her shoulder to cry on and most importantly words of hope.

 

Lance is not ready to leave his family and nor are we going to give up. He fought his way out of ICU and is back in the Telemetry unit. At 40 years of age there is still so much to look forward to with our beautiful children, Gabby & Landen ages 16 and 11 and our friends and family.

 

As of today he is now waiting for a hospital-to-hospital transfer to either Good Samaritan or Cedars Sinai in California. His diagnosis is Heart Failure; Dialated Cardiomyopathy (with EF 15%). The referral from the cardiologist is to implant a defibrillator (AICD) and from there will also be consulted regarding a heart transplant. Funds donated will be used for this purpose which also includes the airfare for a nurse escort. 

My family and I are sincerely grateful for all the thoughts, support and prayers we've received since day one of this journey. They have helped us get through some of the most difficult times and continue to be our HOPE as we navigate through this new chapter of our lives. If you'd like to connect with me directly please leave me a message and I will reach out. Thank you for all your continued support and may God bless you.