On Jan. 28th my brother, Mike Vincent (Wi Hi class of 81), was diagnosed with pneumonia.  When he didn't improve he went to the ER in his hometown of Fairfax, VA and found out that although he had no previously known heart issues, he only had 15% heart capacity.  Just two days later, on Feb. 8th, Mike's heart stopped.  Thanks to the nurses at Inova Fairfax Medical Center, immediate CPR brought Mike back.  His heart stopped again on Wed., Feb. 10th and they immediately put Mike on BIVAD, an external ventricular assist device, to work for his heart while he awaited an emergency heart transplant.  What went from total disbelief became a reality when Mike received a donor heart on Friday, Feb. 19th.  Mike is still in CVICU step down as he begins what will be a long recovery.  
Mike moved away after high school, but since he lives alone in VA, it will be necessary for him to return to Salisbury to live with family while recovering.  This extended recovery time will leave Mike unable to work for an undetermined amount of time.  In addition, he must return to INOVA Fairfax hospital each week for a heart biopsy to test for potential rejection of the donor heart.  
We can't begin to express our sincere thanks to the Drs. and Nurses at INOVA Fairfax Cardiovascular Unit for the exceptional care that he has received.  We are also eternally grateful for the generous anonymous heart donor and family that gave Mike a second chance at life.  We are very appreciative of Mike's supportive company and coworkers for their concern and prayers during this difficult time. 

The purpose of the GoFundMe account is to help Mike with mounting medical bills and the expenses of traveling to Fairfax weekly for his 7 AM biopsy appointments.
Due to the extreme concern of infection as a heart transplant recipient, Mike is unable to accept flowers or food and has extremely limited visitations.  
Thank you for your thoughts and prayers for Mike.