Rodney's "Rahee" "$lim" Heart Journey!

Greetings Everyone!

Rodney Burdine, 48-year-old Father of Five is placing his hope in all of you.

In 2017, Rodney was diagnosed with CHF (Congestive Heart Failure). Heart Failure changes the structure of your heart so it doesn’t work as well and can’t pump enough blood to meet the body’s needs. There are 4-Stages to Heart Failure, Stages A – D with D being the most severe. At the time, Rodney was diagnosed with Stage C. After his diagnosis (2017) the Doctors scheduled him for a procedure to install an implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD) in his chest. This small device has allowed Rodney to enjoy memories with his children, family, and friends.

These past 6-years have been a journey, not just for Rodney; but his entire family. In April 2023, Rodney found himself faced with a life-altering event when he was rushed to the Emergency Room for heart complications. He remained in the hospital for several weeks. It was during this time, the doctors shared that Rodney’s heart was working at 4% and he moved to Stage D, Severe Heart Failure. A normal heart’s ejection fraction is between 55% and 70% - it was a miracle that he was still alive! The doctors informed us that his life expectancy was extremely short, and he would need to make life-changing decisions immediately if he wants to continue living, including a heart transplant and/or a LVAD (Left Ventricle Assistance Device). This news was undoubtedly a trying moment for Rodney and all his friends and family.

Amidst these hardships, there came a glimmer of hope. On November 10, 2023, Rodney was told by the skilled and caring team of heart doctors at Emory University Hospital that he made the heart transplant eligibility list. Since Rodney has a specific blood type, which makes finding a match much more complicated, the decision was made to monitor him closely to receive “A Gift of Life” in the form of a heart transplant. On December 1, Rodney will check into Emory University Transplant Hospital, located in Decatur, GA. His surgeons tell us that the wait could be a very long time, from one month to several months. That’s exactly why his support team has teamed up to build a circle so strong that Rodney doesn’t have a chance to lose faith. This news has given our family renewed optimism for the future!

According to hospital policies the family will need to raise $10,000 to support the heart procedure. We are reaching out to all the kind-hearted souls out there, seeking your support in the next chapter of Rodney’s life to raise the necessary funds for his procedure, on-going prescriptions, and ongoing care. Every donation, no matter how big or small can help save his life and every dollar received will be matched by GTF (Georgia Transplant Foundation). Rodney has been through a lot in the past few years. He has a supportive family and medical team. It’s also great news that he has been placed on the heart transplant eligibility list. Let’s keep Rodney in our prayers and know that our Lord will answer our prayers.

Please know, your contribution, no matter how big or small, will make an immense difference in our lives. We deeply appreciate any help you can provide as we embark on this journey toward a healthier future.

Thank you from the bottom of our heart.

Sincerely,

His Family

Did you know?

The Georgia Transplant Foundation is a non-profit organization that provides financial, educational, and emotional assistance to organ transplant candidates, recipients, living donors, and their families in Georgia since 1992.