Stand with Gary in His Time of Need

Hi everyone,

My name is Sarah, and my sister Olivia and my mom Larissa are reaching out during one of the most difficult times our family has ever faced. My dad, Gary Hopkins, is currently in the hospital awaiting emergency open-heart surgery. He is in critical condition due to a serious and life-threatening infection.

Gary previously had an artificial aortic valve implanted as part of a lifesaving procedure. Unfortunately, that valve has now become infected with staph aureus bacteremia, a dangerous bloodstream infection. This type of infection is extremely aggressive and has compromised the function of his artificial valve — putting his life in immediate danger.

Doctors have informed us that he urgently needs an aortic valve replacement surgery to remove the infected valve and stop the spread of the bacteria. Without this surgery, the prognosis is grim. But even with the surgery, the road ahead will be long, complicated, and incredibly expensive.

Our family is doing everything we can to support my dad emotionally and physically, but the financial burden is overwhelming. Between hospital stays, specialist care, surgery, post-operative ICU treatment, infectious disease monitoring, medications, and future cardiac rehab, the costs are skyrocketing.

On top of the medical expenses, we are faced with challenges such as

Transportation to and from the hospital (which is out of town) Cleveland Clinic

Time away from work for family members providing care

Possible long-term in-home medical support during recovery

Unexpected living and travel expenses while staying near the hospital

We’re asking for your help to give my dad the best chance at recovery. Any amount — no matter how small — will go directly toward his medical care and related expenses.

Gary is not just a patient in a hospital bed — he’s a father, a friend, and a fighter. He has always been the kind of person to help others without ever asking for anything in return. He’s a man of quiet strength, resilience, and deep love for his family and community.

He’s someone who would give the shirt off his back for a stranger, and now we’re hoping that same kindness can come back to him in this moment of urgent need.

How You Can Help

Donate: Any donation — whether it’s $5 or $500 — brings us one step closer to covering the costs of his care.

Share: Please share this campaign with your friends, family, and social networks. The more people who hear Gary’s story, the better chance we have of meeting our goal.

Pray and Send Support: If you’re unable to give financially, your emotional support, prayers, and positive messages mean the world to us.

We will keep this page updated and, we’re holding on to hope that with the right care and a community behind him, Gary can get through this.

From the bottom of our hearts — thank you for being here for our family during this incredibly difficult time.

With Love,

The Hopkins Family