Unbreak My Heart

Hi, my name is Rozane, and I'm fundraising for my cousin, Monte Rifkin. He and I were separated years ago due to divorce, and wouldn't you know that after we finally reconnected, he became ill? The following is his story.

"Seventeen years ago, I had a pulmonary embolism (causing heart and lung damage) that started what I’m dealing with today. I’ve always been self-sufficient, but my current medical conditions have proven to be quite daunting and humbling.

In August 2021, I had an ICD (pacemaker and defibrillator) installed in my left chest. Last April, I was notified that my blood potassium was too high and I needed to go to the Emergency Room immediately.

Medical staff were able to lower the potassium, then discovered bleeding ulcers in my stomach, diverticulitis, and other GI issues, causing extensive bleeding.

I spent the month of May in the hospital, during which my legs atrophied, I was administered morphine, and my kidneys failed. I then had ten units of blood transfused and two units of platelets, and I’m on dialysis for the rest of my life. I have a catheter in my right chest, which means I have to sleep in my chair since I can’t lay flat on the bed with appliances on both sides of my chest.

In September, after months of physical therapy for my legs, I reached a point where I could walk about 10 feet without the walker or stopping to rest. I was at the last stage of applying for a kidney transplant when I went for the cardiology sign-off on that procedure. Following a PET scan, it was determined that my heart currently has an ejection fraction of 10-15% (average is 45%), and I have a 50% chance of mortality in one year. (75% in three years.) The fact is, I feel pretty good, but my organs are failing.

I’m now hoping for a dual transplant (heart and kidneys). I have been referred to Dr. Eric Adler at the University of California at San Diego, who is among the finest dual transplant surgeons in America. The transplant is a risky procedure and one that I may not walk away from. However, I am a survivor and don’t intend to stop now. I’m having my consultation with the transplant team this month. When I hear “we are a go, " I will have seven hours to secure travel arrangements for my wife and me to travel out of state to the hospital for the procedure.

My insurance is on-board with the out-of-state visit, and Medicare will cover most of the expenses. I’m on the hook for the incidentals, including accommodations for my wife and m for two months in San Diego following the surgeries. Whatever the outcome, every day since that PE 17 years ago has been a blessing and a gift to me, my wife, my family, friends who are family and strangers who are not yet friends.

Thank you all so much for any support you can provide. Please extend your prayers and continued best wishes for me, as I will for you, during this time. Monte"

I have volunteered to help with his fundraising goal as I do not want him worrying about things when he should concentrate on getting well. Any help will be appreciated. Thank you. Rozane