Nick Westbrook: Heart Transplant Support

Nick is undergoing the most challenging part of his life, both physically and emotionally. His wife, Mary, is doing the work of two parents to account for Nick being in and out of the hospital. We, the loved ones of Nick and the Westbrook family, are looking for support from friends, family, and establishments to raise a short term goal of $20,000 so that Nick may afford the medical care that he needs to live. Please continue reading to learn about Nick's story and why he needs your help.

A BIT OF HISTORY

In the spring of 2023, Nick began feeling unwell. After several trips to the doctor, he was admitted for heart problems. Since that time, Nick has had numerous hospitalizations at several different hospitals where the specific care that he needs is available. The doctors at Emory believed this was all caused by some sort of viral infection; he was recently diagnosed with idiopathic systolic and diastolic cardiomyopathy. Recently his cardiologist told him that they have exhausted all medical options to treat him and he must begin the process of getting a new heart by being put on the transplant list. He is currently at home with a PICC line and receiving the infusion, Milrinone, that will run continuously until they get a phone call that a heart becomes available.

ABOUT NICK

Nick is a son, a brother, a husband, a friend and, most importantly, a father and a Christian. Nick married the love of his life, Mary Powers, on October 17, 2015. Shortly after getting married, she became pregnant with their son, Finn, who is now 6 years old (and charming as ever). Nick has two other children, Tyler, 16 years old and Layla, 14 years old, for whom he co-parents.

Nick has never been one to sit on the sidelines. He has a strong faith in the Lord and that he will continue to bring him strength. He thrives in a busy environment in the RV industry, which is why he is an excellent resource for all your RV repair needs! Nick loves working and overcoming the unique challenges presented to him while doing his best body work.

WHY WE’RE HERE

We want to make life easier for Nick and the Westbrook family as they navigate his medical needs and finances. Since Nick has not been able to work since March of 2023, and has not yet been approved for Social Security Disability, Mary has had to take a significant amount of time away from work to bring him to appointments, visit him in the hospital, and care for their children. This has caused an extreme loss of income and will be challenging for them as they begin their journey through his heart transplantation.

Mary goes beyond the definition of a loving and compassionate wife. She has stayed true to Nick, through thick and thin. Mary has had to take on the burdens meant for two young parents and carry those responsibilities on her own. The costs of household bills, pre-operative procedures, many pre transplant and post-transplant visits, surgery, post-operative round-the-clock care, and extended hospital stays are and will continue to be enormous, not including the required months after transplant as they will have to live in Atlanta for several months. Even after Nick receives a new heart, he won’t be able to work for at least a year to ensure a full recovery.

Losing Nick is not an option, and we are determined to do everything in our power to give him a chance at a full recovery and a full life. Lessening the financial burden that Nick and Mary are facing is the first step in helping to ease their minds and focus on succeeding and thriving in the transplant process and staying as stress-free as possible.

We are reaching out for your support in funding this life-saving surgery for Nick. Any amount you can give, big or small, will be graciously accepted and appreciated by Nick and his family. Please consider donating and sharing with your network. Most importantly, please keep Nick, Mary, Tyler, Layla, and Finn in your thoughts and prayers that the path to getting a new heart goes as quickly and seamlessly as possible.

This is written by Mary's older sister, April, and will be updated as new information becomes available.