Please have a heart and help Tim with his
Tim is the kind of guy that will help anybody- any time, any where. Now, he's the one needing some help! We are looking to raise money to help him with pre & post surgery costs, along with helping with some basic needs.
Here is Tim's story:
A few years ago, after suffering a heart attack, Tim learned that his heart was only functioning at 30%. Luckily, he was able to undergo heart surgery, have a defibrillator put in, and he did amazing for several years! In the fall of 2020, things changed. Tim knew something wasn't right - he was frequently short of breath, feeling run down, and unable to do simple, every day tasks that he usually did with ease. After a few doctor appointments and lots of testing, he was given the shocking and devastating news that his heart was rapidly declining, and that an LVAD (Left Ventricular Assist Device) --AKA Artificial heart-- would be required as soon as possible.
Never one to back down from a challenge, Tim faced this world changing development head on, and over the past several weeks, has had multiple appointments with his team of heart doctors and surgeons at Vanderbilt University Medical Center in Nashville to arrange the procedure.
Thankfully, Tim has health insurance that will cover most of the surgery, but there are still high costs associated, starting with the $5000 deductible.
After the surgery, he will have to stay in Nashville for up to 3 months during recovery. While thankful to not need to worry where to stay, the Hospitality House is $40 per day for lodging ($280 per week). Meals are not included in that fee, so accounting for food and lodging, it will cost around $4,000 for the full 12 week stay.
During these 12 weeks, Tim will require round-the-clock care, and someone with him at all times. Unable to quit her job, for obvious financial reasons, and stay full time, Tim's wife, Barb, and daughter, Gwen, will be alternating days, driving round trip from Chattanooga to Nashville, in order to provide care during the recovery period.
Tim has unfortunately been unable to work due to his health issues, and as a result, their savings have very quickly dwindled, and bills have been piling up. Medical bills alone are already over $4,000, just with his doctors visits leading up to the procedure, and other expenses continue to roll in.
We would love to raise $25,000 to cover the cost of lodging, the $5,000 deductible, meals for 12 weeks, gas for Gwen & Barb's round trips to provide care in Nashville, and to help Tim & Barb with immediate needs, such as house payments, car payments, and medical bills. The most immediate need is post-op lodging, as they won't schedule or perform the surgery until he can prove that lodging is covered.
Thank you so much for your donations!
