Sean’s Heart Surgery and Recovery

Family and friends,

We feel a little odd creating this but we know so many people know and love Sean and want to help. We humbly thank you for taking the time to read this.  

From birth, Sean has lived with a congenital heart disease, wherein his heart was formed and operates differently than the average persons. Multiple surgeries, procedures, tests and years of monitoring have filled Sean’s young life.

And then, in 2013 Sean’s life was forever changed.

During a surgery to replace his aortic valve he contracted MRSA at Jackson Memorial hospital and subsequently suffered a stroke that also put him in a coma. As a young man in his 20’s with his whole life ahead of him, you can imagine how difficult this experience was. Sean not only had to heal from a major heart surgery but he had to learn to walk again, talk, eat, and do regular, every day tasks, some of which he still struggles with today.

Despite this major setback, Sean begins and ends each day with a smile on his face and a heart full of love and gratitude. He’s happy living a simple life in Northern FL with me, his wife, and our sweet dog, Gus. And while each day presents its challenges, Sean remains strong and positive. 

Some would call it a “God wink” that we wound up 1 hour south of Mayo Clinic, the nations #1 rated hospital, and that within a year of moving here, we would find a team that gives us confidence in the medical system again. 

During his first appointment at the Mayo Clinic we were told that Sean needs to undergo another heart surgery, this time to correct the damage that was done to his heart from the infection/stroke he suffered in 2013 as well as another aortic valve replacement.  We had our first appointment in April and are scheduled for surgery in July. As there are only a few surgeons in the world that do this type of extensive and complicated corrective surgery, we have to travel to Mayo Clinic in Rochester MN. As you can imagine, this is going to be a huge expense for us. Because of Sean’s health condition, he has been in and out of work since 2013, so I am our only source of income. 

As of now, we will need to book round trip airfare for us both as well as a 10-14 day stay in Rochester, transportation, meals and house expenses as I will be out of work for those 2 weeks in order to attend to Sean.  This doesn't include the hospital expenses we will incur with Sean's surgery and 5-7 day stay. 

We created this space as a way for anyone who feels called to help us navigate these difficult waters. We appreciate any and all donations, hugs and well wishes. 

If you’ve ever met Sean, it’s likely you had a laugh, a smile or a moment where you felt seen. Sean has a way of making people feel seen and valued.  Now it’s our turn. Let’s wrap him in love and hold him up as he goes through this difficult time, again.

With love & gratitude,
Tara and Sean