On Memorial Day, May 26th, 2025, Barb Shirley’s life was forever changed.

She woke up for work, just like any other day, except today definitely felt “different.” She felt quite shaky and “off.” She knew something just wasn’t right but went to work like a trooper anyway. Once she arrived at her job as the manager of a very busy truck stop, she suddenly felt like her heart had begun racing.

In a general panic, she honestly confided in her co-manager: “I think I’m having a heart attack.”

At this point, the co-manager insisted she go to the emergency room, where they discovered that this healthy, vibrant, active, energetic 51-year-old woman was experiencing atrial fibrillation.

Her resting heart rate was 191, and her blood pressure was 225/200. After the ER was able to stabilize her BP, they sent her home with instructions for a follow-up visit to see her doctor on the following Friday. Four days later, she saw her family physician, where he ordered an emergency EKG. The results returned “critical,” and she was promptly sent BACK to the ER.

At this time, Barb was diagnosed with atrial fibrillation and congestive heart failure (CHF).

Six weeks, four ER trips, an emergency EKG, and an electrocardiogram later, it was discovered that her heart was functioning at 35%, which took her from “mild” CHF to “chronic.”

On June 24th, during Barb’s fourth emergency room visit, she found that she absolutely could not breathe. On this day, she was admitted into the hospital as an inpatient and was able to truly understand the magnitude of what a “chronic CHF” diagnosis really looks like. Barb couldn’t breathe that day because she was drowning in the fluid build-up that her 35%-capacity beating heart could not keep up with. The medical professionals spent two days draining seven pounds of fluid from her lungs and abdomen. Barb was forced to recognize that this terrifying event is her “new normal,” and she must consume potent diuretics daily to keep her body from trying to drown her organs.

She can gain and lose as much as 10 pounds of fluid in a day.

My friend Barb is not improving; she is declining.

This low heart function has severely affected Barb’s ability to work a safe number of weekly hours at her job of 10 years to supply her basic needs to live. This woman, who has been accustomed to working over 50 hours a week since she has been a full-time employee, has been reduced to what her broken body will allow. She has used all her PTO and is now facing surgery, which will be determined at her KU Med consultation scheduled for July 31st.

Barb desperately needs our help to assist in the piling bills that she is falling behind on, as well as help with supplementing so much missing work. Sadly, she has acquired a rarer condition with this illness that often has her severely nauseous while she is continually gasping to get her breath. She has many miles on the road traveling for medical tests and procedures, causing wear and tear on her vehicle and the need for fuel, as well as the need for lodging accommodations, and a plethora of other basic needs.

It is not easy for this hard-working, independent woman to ask for help. If you know Barb, you KNOW this is relentlessly true about her character. If you can find it in your heart to give a little to help with her piling needs, it would mean the absolute world to her and those who love her the most.

Thank you from the bottom of her heart and the hearts of those who treasure her well-being for your generous donations to help her get stronger and less stressed out about these things she cannot control. Thank you for your blessing!