Love for the Whitmans

---Chris's Story---

Chris was born with a Congenital Heart Defect - Aortic Stenosis and has had 3 open heart surgeries from the age 5 months to 18 years old. After his last surgery he was told he would live a long normal life. 

18 months ago Chris and his wife Jamie were traveling when he collapsed in an airport  and passed out. He was hospitalized for a week and was not allowed to go home for awhile due to his condition. The doctors discovered his heart has calcified due to scar tissue over time from previous surgeries, making his heart harder to pump over time. This stress on his heart has caused Pulmonary Hypertension, destroying his lungs in the process. 

Chris desperately needs a heart and double lung transplant. Unfortunately, our local nationally ranked University of Washington is not qualified to handle this magnitude of surgery. Chris is now transferred to Stanford, California. He was put on the transplant list January of last year (2020). They have been waiting for the call they could get any day.

I am one of Chris & Jamie's closest friends, and have witnessed the hardships that Chris's condition has put on his family and friends. We are trying to help as much as we can but the burden of finances is overwhelming. The costs and out of pocket expenses are insane upwards of $16,000. Currently, they are already paying medical bills because of the last couple years of testing and times when Chris has been hospitalized. 

Chris's deductible is $3,000 and his benefit maximum is up to $8,150 which means he has to pay over $12,000 just to qualify for surgery. This is what they  have to pay every year.

Insurance also does not cover flights for his wife Jamie & his mom to fly back and forth from Seattle to California for 4 months of recovery time, to balance time to take care of Chris but also be with the children. Insurance also does not cover additional lodging and food expenses.


This is going to be a lifelong process for Chris and his family. It will be a lifetime of follow-up care and daily anti-rejection medications. Medication can be up $500 a month. Even with copay this all adds up quickly. 


----More about chris-----


Chris lives in Seattle, WA and was born and raised here. He is the sole provider for his wife, two daughters and two pets. He is the owner of  a paint company based out of Seattle and has worked hard to provide for his family, friends and employees. Most importantly he is a loving father, husband, son and friend.

Chris is one of the most giving people I have ever met and has constantly gone out of his way to make sure others needs are met. He gives grace to everyone he meets, and he always sees the good in people. We love you Chris!!!

"Sometimes miracles are just good people, with kind hearts."


Even if you can't donate, please share and spread love and prayers to the Whitman family. Prayers are needed and welcomed. Thank you so much!