Have A Heart To Give A Heart

Vince and I have been together for 26 years and we have 3 beautiful kids ages 21yrs old, 14 yrs old and 7 yrs old. Even with us being away from our kids, it is my job to somehow keep their spirits up during this difficult and stressful time in our lives. It has been extremely difficult to play many roles in my life and to play them all at the same time, especially trying my hardest not to break down in between. I am trying with the help of my parents and some important people in our lives, to keep somewhat of a normal life for our kids. We keep encouraging our oldest to keep going to work everyday, even though he worries so much about his father. Encouraging our daughter to do the best she can in school and continue playing softball. Our challenging one is our 7 year old who seems to be suffering from separation anxiety. We encourage him to go to school, make the best of his day, laugh, and to do the best he can in soccer and baseball practices/games. We may not be there to cheer them on and push them like we usually do, but for now we are there in spirit until things get better. So here is the history on Vince....

Vince is currently suffering from cardiomyopathy, congenital heart disease, heart failure, pulmonary hypertension, ventricular tachycardia, and coronary artery disease. In 2009 at age 28 Vince suffered a massive heart attack with 98% blockage, requiring three stents. Vince flat lined several times that day, thankfully the doctors were able to revive him. Part of Vince's heart died as he was being transported to Memorial Medical Center. His recovery was 3 to 6 months.
In 2009 Vince had three of his arteries blocked and required a triple bypass. In 2014 Vince had a defibrillator implanted because his ejection fraction went down to 10%. During this time the cardiologists recommended for him to medically retire. This was a hard decision for Vince to make since he had worked most of his life to support his family.

In 2016 Vince had a pacemaker defibrillator implanted. Vince's heart disease has progressed over time, and has limited him to live a normal, healthy life. This February, Vince was airlifted from Las Cruces, to the Banner University Medical Center in Tucson, to seek advanced treatment for his heart failure.

After a full evaluation here from the heart transplant team and heart failure team it was suggested that Vince be placed on a heart transplant list. Testing showed he had pulmonary hypertension, putting Vince at high risk for a heart transplant. The specialists suggested that Vince get a heart device implanted called a HVAD, which is a bridge to a heart transplant in the near future. The HVAD does not replace the heart; it only helps it do its job. This makes a difference between life and death for Vince. His heart needs to rest and is too weak to efficiently pump on its own.

Recovery after this major surgery is 2 months in Tucson at the Banner University Medical Center. Vince chooses to keep fighting to live for his family. We continue to stand together. Once again, this has been the most difficult time for our family, especially now that we have to be away from our kids and those close to us. Of course there is no place like home and all of us together but, Vince and I have to make this place our home until he is past the road of recovery and with a new heart.

We will have to live in Tucson for a while, and after his surgery we will continuously travel over here for advanced care for the rest of Vince’s life. With having to travel several times a week/month for follow-ups, testing, bringing our kids to visit, our bills, mortgage, medical costs, lodging etc., We are asking for your help during this time. Anything is greatly appreciated. Even with insurance, medical bills can be a financial burden. Plus, I have been out of work for over 2 months. Again anything will help, and once all is said and done, Vince will be stronger than ever and our family will be together again, enjoying the life we once had. Thank you from the bottom of our hearts!