My 1-year-old grandson, Ricky Lee Raypole, was recently diagnosed with cardiomyopathy at Nationwide Children’s Hospital in Columbus, Ohio. He’s been in the hospital since November 22, 2024. HE NEEDS A HEART TRANSPLANT. He will remain hospitalized until such a time that a heart can be donated.

His parents, Gage and Chey, know they have a long road ahead of them. Chey was supposed to start a new job on November 25th, but that was put on hold indefinitely.

Ricky is an amazing boy and puts a smile on anyone’s face when he is around. He loves the outdoors, playing in dirt, and riding on the four-wheeler or a tractor with family members. He knows dozens of people at Huntington High School because of going to his Aunt T’s volleyball and basketball games. He likes watching Bluey, playing with his toys, or helping take care of his half dozen seven-week-old puppies.

He doesn’t understand what’s going on, and I’m happy about that. I know being in the hospital for anyone is not fun, but for being one year old, this boy is a champ.

Please help out any way you can to cover excess bills, transportation to and from the hospital, food, and anything else this young family needs. Thank you so much.