Support John's Journey to Better Health

Hello, my name is Diana Franks.

I am starting this fundraiser for my parents, John & Lori. My father John Franks has faced significant challenges since he was born but nothing as rough as he is currently facing. In January of 2023 he had what we believe was a abscess in his mouth. He was sent to the ER and advised to see a specialist at U of M. Because of his previous open heart surgeries he had to have cardiac clearance before addressing the issue. We were informed his pulmonary valve was leaking and would require surgery to fix. They approved oral surgery with the hopes to clear him for open heart surgery. Unfortunately throughout this few month period he developed spots on his heart wall along his pacemaker/defibrillator and electrical pump wires. U of M did several tests and they believe the spots were blood clots. Upon further imaging they found a hole in the heart wall near his previous VSD repair. After U of M consulting several surgeons they determined a fourth open heart surgery was not a option. Jons been on blood thinners to try to break the clots down and after a year there has been no change in the size and unfortunately more appeared. My father is blessed with a amazing primary care physician and she referred him to Cleveland Clinic. My parents have taken several trips to Cleveland Clinic since March of 2024. Cleveland clinic is not convinced the spots are clots. He has several upcoming tests on 10/9/24 and a very risky heart catherization on 10/14 to determine what the spots are. Cleveland indicated three potential possibilities. Clots, infection or masses. We will be returning to Cleveland 10/8 thru 10/9 and 10/13 thru 10/15. We are optimistic we will finally find the answers we've been looking for. My parents are very humble individuals and they don't ask for help despite several financial setbacks. However, repeated trips to U of M and Cleveland has caused a significant financial hardship. Gas,lodging,co-pays, rx costs just to name a few. If Cleveland can successfully replace the pulmonary valve my father will be hospitalized 2 plus weeks and will have several post op appointments. Thoughts, prayers and any assistance is greatly appreciated. My parents are on a very limited income and they are not the type to discuss the challenges they face or ask for help. However, at this point my father has considered canceling further options at Cleveland because of the financial burden its placed on my family. My father is a great father, PaPa and friend to many. Without surgical intervention my father's future isn't great. My parents have always focused on helping others and unfortunately they are at a point they need help. If you can't help financially please keep my family in your thoughts and prayers. Thank you