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Sean O'Neils Post-Heart Surgery

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I first met Sean at my old job about 6 years ago and I didn't know him very well for a while. The company I worked for was pretty big, but he was someone everyone else looked up to, and was considered an inspiration for his drive and work ethic. After a while I started to look to him for guidance, because he set a good example and I wanted to learn from someone who was considered a leader and the best in the business. It turns out the reason why he was so good at what he did and was number 1 at the company we worked for was because of his charisma and everyone just gravitated towards him, it was something natural he possessed. I've learned a lot from him and have seen him go through a lot, and have gotten to know him and his family pretty well. I now consider him to be like a brother. He has been there as one of my closest friends since then, and anybody who knows me, knows I would sacrifice a lot for my friends and family, and he treated me and the rest of our friends likewise.  Recently as the leaves on the ground started to get smothered by the snow, and the season was changing, he started changing. Moving slower, feeling depressed, not acting quite like himself, and in constant pain. He used to be the person who could make others double over with laughter, to the point of tears. He soon became the one to double over, clutching his chest in pain, like somebody was force-feeding him hot coals.  He was 32 years old, this isn't something that should be happing this point in his life. 

After numerous doctor's visits and testing being done, it was determined that it wasn't anything minor, he was having jolts of turmoil and misery shooting through his heart. Most people breathe oxygen, he started to breathe misery. After worry set in for his mother, brother and the rest of his family, they knew they needed to get a second opinion. On the 2nd week of December, after being rushed to the Emergency Room, blockage was found at the back of his heart around 1 a.m. The jolts he was feeling were a series of heart attacks, just jumping him when he least expected it. Fast forward to when things get really serious, the days of thinking there was a single blockage seems like a walk in the park now. At this point, the only thing that could prevent him from a sudden death would be a quadruple bypass open heart surgery. Everyone in his life started panicking at first, but then they became the rock that Sean needed during this time. He is a fighter and even if he wasn't, none of us would allow him to give up. He had the surgery a few days later, with some complications. The air was brisk outside, the winter weather was as harsh as an unfiltered camel cigarette. The reason why I bring up the weather is because what it looked like outside, doesn't compare to how he felt on the inside. His lungs have started to give out over the past few years, and his chest cavity was riddled with heart disease. To the glory of God, who guided the hands of his surgical team that day, the operation was a success. Sean took his first step on the path to a better life. But that path is a very long winding road, with many potholes and cracks. We will all be here to guide him where to step, just like he would do with us. Because his recovery time is going to be 2 months or possibly more, if done correctly, he will be out of work and have to deal with additional stress than can continue to put more strain on his heart. He is going to have to start exercising, and eating healthier. Putting down the cigarettes, and picking up the celery. Sean's mother Val, and Step-Father Ronnie, companion Krisha, and the rest of his family are going to help him as much as they can, but there is only so much that they can accomplish by themselves. We are asking for your generousity towards letting this man focus on his road to recovery. The funds that go towards Mr. O'Neils cause would contribute to wiping away pile of bills, rent, and additional costs of living that have accrued while he has been out of commission. He has been a hard working guy his entire life, so I know it is eating him alive to not be able to go and make this money himself. We told him don't worry, you take care of us, we will take care of you. That's what family does.  We thank you all from the bottom of our hearts, and know that Sean and his family will be eternally grateful for every dime contributed to recovery process. Thank you all and have a joyous holiday with you and your family. Sean, we love you, and wish you the best, and know that you will rise up from this stronger than before.
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Donations 

  • Dave Norman
    • $300 
    • 4 yrs
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Organizer and beneficiary

John Kornichuk
Organizer
Oxford, MA
Sean O'Neil
Beneficiary

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