Help Our Family Through Ernie’s Heart Transplant Journey
Hi, our names are Miranda and Ernie, and we are a family of five doing everything we can to stay strong through the most difficult chapter of our lives.
Our family includes Ernie (38), Miranda (35), and our three kids — Ellie (17), Wesley (14), and Camdyn (10). We’ve always been a close, loving family, but everything changed on August 21, 2024.
What we thought was pneumonia turned into something we never expected: Ernie was diagnosed with severe heart failure. After multiple tests, we were told his heart was only functioning at 10%. Since that day, life has been filled with hospital visits, medications, and uncertainty.
Over the past year and a half, Ernie’s condition has not improved despite every effort. He has endured constant exhaustion, painful episodes, and worsening heart function. On March 26, 2026, we received the news we feared most, Ernie has 6 months or less left with his current heart.
Now, we are moving forward with the heart transplant evaluation process at Mayo Clinic.
What This Means for Our Family
Starting April 7, Ernie has 24 medical appointments scheduled as part of the transplant evaluation. Mayo Clinic is two hours away from our home, requiring frequent travel, gas, and hotel stays.
If Ernie is approved for a transplant, the journey becomes even more intense:
A hospital stay of 10–14 days following surgery
A required 3-month stay near the hospital for recovery
Full-time, 24/7 care from Miranda during that time
This means we will need to secure temporary housing (like an Airbnb) near the hospital for several months while also maintaining our home and caring for our children.
Why We Need Help
We are asking for help to cover:
Travel expenses (gas, parking, frequent trips)
Hotel stays during evaluation appointments
Long-term temporary housing during recovery
Medical-related costs not covered by insurance
Daily living expenses while Miranda is unable to work
This journey is overwhelming emotionally, physically, and financially. We are doing everything we can to stay focused on hope and healing, but we cannot do this alone.
Our Story Timeline
️ August 21, 2024
Ernie went to the ER expecting pneumonia but was diagnosed with heart failure. His left ventricle was functioning at only 10%, and fluid was building in his lungs and heart.
️ February 3, 2025
At his 6-month follow-up, there was no improvement. Ernie was sleeping most of the day and began experiencing severe chest pains. His heart function remained at 10%.
️ June 17, 2025
His heart enlarged further, causing valve complications. The right side of his heart also began to fail. Plans were made for a defibrillator at Mayo Clinic.
️ July 8, 2025
A cardiac stress test revealed atrial fibrillation and myocardial ischemia. His heart is working, but too weak to effectively pump blood through his body.
️ August 28, 2025
Doctors warned that his heart condition could lead to failure within a year.
️ March 26, 2026
We received confirmation: it’s time for transplant evaluation. Ernie has 6 months or less without a new heart.
How You Can Help
If you’re able to donate, share, or simply keep our family in your thoughts and prayers, it means more to us than words can express.
Every contribution helps ease the burden and allows us to focus on what matters most — keeping Ernie alive and together with his family.
Thank you for being part of our journey. ❤️