Nick Ford's Heart Surgery Fund!
Donation protected
Once you have met Nick Ford, you know how truly special he is. You may have met Nick in Missoula, maybe it was up at Snowbowl, on the river or out on the trails. Nick’s love of the outdoors is contagious. You may have found yourself lost in conversation with Nick while talking about the latest snow report, where the elk are hiding this year, or sharing some fly fishing tips. He loves the outdoors, but what he enjoys the most is sharing these experiences with family and friends, both new and old.
When Nick isn’t meeting up with friends or family, he is pursuing his dream of owning and operating his own fishing and hunting guide service. On the off season, he is getting people properly equipped to get up on the mountain and enjoy the amazing terrain and views that Snowbowl has to offer. It’s not hard to see Nick’s drive and passion for life. Due to a recent diagnosis Nick hasn’t been able to live his life to the fullest. Nick’s heart has been causing him to slow down, restricting him from his passions in life.
Nick was diagnosed with Mitral Valve Prolapse with a severe valve regurgitation on the left side of his heart and will need open heart surgery in early 2017. Due to Nick having Marfan Syndrome, a genetic disorder that destroys connective tissue in the body, this will be Nick’s second heart surgery in the last decade and he just turned 28. Mitral valve regurgitation is when the blood is leaking backward into the heart. Heart valves work like one-way gates, helping blood flow in one direction between heart chambers or in and out of the heart. To get Nick’s blood flowing in the right direction, he will need surgery to repair his heart. Due to other health factors from the previous surgery, the surgery Nick requires is very specialized, and there are only a few surgeons in the country that can do the procedure. Luckily, we have found a surgeon in California willing to take on such a procedure using a technique that will minimize Nick’s recovery time.
The goal in setting up this account is to relieve some of the financial burden and emotional stress on Nick. We have planned a budget that includes most of the expenses that will come up along the way. First, the preliminary expenses, which will include Nick’s health insurance maximum, allowing him to get the necessary tests needed before the procedure and covering the entire cost of the procedure ($6,000). The budget also includes travel expenses to San Diego for the surgery and a week’s stay ($5,000). Then we have planned for Nick’s recovery period, which will cover Nick’s bills for two and half months while he is unable to work ($5,000) and 24/7 care for a month ($2,000). This is a conservative estimate of the initial costs for the out-of-pocket expenses, but there may be unexpected expenses that could arise at anytime.
We appreciate any and all support! We will also keep everyone updated throughout the recovery process through a blog that will be set up for Nick. Please consider helping Nick get back to doing what he loves, with the people who love him!
When Nick isn’t meeting up with friends or family, he is pursuing his dream of owning and operating his own fishing and hunting guide service. On the off season, he is getting people properly equipped to get up on the mountain and enjoy the amazing terrain and views that Snowbowl has to offer. It’s not hard to see Nick’s drive and passion for life. Due to a recent diagnosis Nick hasn’t been able to live his life to the fullest. Nick’s heart has been causing him to slow down, restricting him from his passions in life.
Nick was diagnosed with Mitral Valve Prolapse with a severe valve regurgitation on the left side of his heart and will need open heart surgery in early 2017. Due to Nick having Marfan Syndrome, a genetic disorder that destroys connective tissue in the body, this will be Nick’s second heart surgery in the last decade and he just turned 28. Mitral valve regurgitation is when the blood is leaking backward into the heart. Heart valves work like one-way gates, helping blood flow in one direction between heart chambers or in and out of the heart. To get Nick’s blood flowing in the right direction, he will need surgery to repair his heart. Due to other health factors from the previous surgery, the surgery Nick requires is very specialized, and there are only a few surgeons in the country that can do the procedure. Luckily, we have found a surgeon in California willing to take on such a procedure using a technique that will minimize Nick’s recovery time.
The goal in setting up this account is to relieve some of the financial burden and emotional stress on Nick. We have planned a budget that includes most of the expenses that will come up along the way. First, the preliminary expenses, which will include Nick’s health insurance maximum, allowing him to get the necessary tests needed before the procedure and covering the entire cost of the procedure ($6,000). The budget also includes travel expenses to San Diego for the surgery and a week’s stay ($5,000). Then we have planned for Nick’s recovery period, which will cover Nick’s bills for two and half months while he is unable to work ($5,000) and 24/7 care for a month ($2,000). This is a conservative estimate of the initial costs for the out-of-pocket expenses, but there may be unexpected expenses that could arise at anytime.
We appreciate any and all support! We will also keep everyone updated throughout the recovery process through a blog that will be set up for Nick. Please consider helping Nick get back to doing what he loves, with the people who love him!
Organizer and beneficiary
Madeleine Hull
Organizer
Missoula, MT
Nicholas Ford
Beneficiary