David Stockwell

Our journey to a new heart.

 David was recently diagnosed with heart failure. Up until this time, he was very active and healthy, or so we thought.   He and his Wife Karla, have a beautiful family with a 29 year old daughter, an 18 year old son in college, a 16 year old daughter at home, and a 2.5 year old grand daughter. He became ill in July with Diverticulitis. This started his downward spiral.  While trying to recover, he started having shortness of breath. It got to the point where he had trouble walking through the house. By the end of September he was hospitalized and diagnosed with heart failure.
 His medical team hoped  he would be released with an external pump and PICC line with a medicine called Milrinone, this would help his heart get stronger. It ended up not being the case, his heart was too weak and his liver began to shut down.  David had to have emergency surgery to place a balloon pump in his heart as the medication wasn't working. This procedure allowed his medical team time to prepare for his LVAD surgery. Most patients have months to learn and prepare for their future living with an LVAD,  David and his family had 2 days.  An LVAD  is a Left Ventricle Assist Device, which is connected to an outside controller and batteries which he wears 24/7.. (Pictures below) the age of 51, he is now on the heart transplant list.
Karla, his wife, is now his caretaker as he can't be left alone for long periods of time. He needs daily medicinal maintenance and cardiac therapy.  Both of these amazing people went from successful careers to a life of uncertainty. Karla has been a flight attendant with United Airlines for 22 years.   Work is out of the question for her until a new heart is found. Being on the transplant list requires them to be  no more than 2 hours away from the hospital at any given time.  Ready to go at a moments notice when a new heart becomes available. Karla’s job requires her to be away from home, which isn’t possible. David also has 0 positive blood, which is the most difficult type for receiving a new heart.  He could be on the list for upwards of 2 years due to his blood type. 
 This amazing family has helped out others and are selfless people. From family members to friends, they have opened up their hearts and given what they could to anyone in need.
 The road to Dave's new heart will be a long one, and these bills are going to be ongoing. The only way for them to meet basic living needs including medical bills is going to come from help through family, friends and those special people out there that can give them support.
 Support from prayers, positive thoughts and financial support as well.