Gabe Gilbert Needs a New Heart!

Dear Friends-

Our amazing son, stepson, brother, dog and nature lover Gabe Gilbert requires a heart transplant.

Four years ago, Gabe was diagnosed with PLN cardiomyopathy- a genetic disease whereby the heart muscle widens and is unable to pump properly. The disease can lead to severe heart failure and also sudden premature death.

At this point, Gabe has entered end stage heart failure and urgently needs a new heart.

On Tuesday, August 10, he was admitted to Stanford Hospital, and began the transplant journey. He has a balloon pump inserted into his aorta to assist in pumping blood to his body while he awaits a donor heart. When a donor heart becomes available, hopefully within 6 weeks, he will have the transplant surgery. During this time, and for several weeks after, he will remain in the hospital as his body recovers and accepts the new heart.

Following what we pray will be a successful surgery, Gabe will have a long road to recovery. While he has insurance, there will be significant uncovered expenses post-transplant. He will need to relocate to be within 3o minutes of Stanford for at least three months, with 24/7 care. His father, Gregory, has taken on the responsibility of being his primary caretaker, and the rest of his family will be traveling back and forth between Nevada City and Palo Alto to care for Gabe and each other.

We have set up a GoFundMe to help offset the financial burden of this next phase. Your generosity will help Gabe and our family get through these next six months and allow his care team to be in Palo Alto to ensure his recovery.

All funds raised will help Gabe on his path to healing and well-being. It is a long journey, but we are all up for the challenge!

With love and in gratitude,

Cristine Kelly

The Gilbert Family

Matisse Geenty

Renee Weilmann

Lisa Nielsen