Hello, I hope this letter finds you well. I am writing this letter to you with a heavy heart, and humble honesty regarding my current financial situation. I am only 29 years old and could never have imagined what I went through is real.
This nightmare began with me just having shortness of breath. After enduring a health crisis that started when I woke up from anesthesia on Thanksgiving Day and extended through New Year's when I was at last dismissed from the hospital. I found myself fighting for my life every single day for over a month and a half during my hospitalization. While I initially presented with severe shortness of breath, I was then diagnosed with multiple heart complications, including two leaking heart valves and an ascending aortic aneurysm at close to 7cm! Any medical professional would say it’s near impossible for me to still have been alive. The situation was serious, with one of my valves dangerously enlarged, putting my life at immediate risk and needing an emergency surgery.
During this harrowing time, I underwent a series of surgeries and procedures to stabilize my condition. However, my recovery journey was marked with severe complications. During the life saving operation my heart had dropped to a very low rate at one point, which resulted me being on ECMO life support. It also included post-operative infections, persistent atrial fibrillation which the nurses weren’t able to determine why for an amount of time, necessitating further interventions such as cardioversion, pericardial effusion and prolonged hospitalization.
The physical and emotional toll of this experience has been immense, leaving me physically debilitated and emotionally drained. There are days where I question everything as I live through the trauma. My support system, particularly my wife and mother, stood by my side every day, providing me with the strength and determination to get me through the darkest moments of my life.
We live in a world where things happen and we don’t know always why. God is constantly working all things out for his will, & he has compassion for us. He loves us. This whole experience has made me see the world in an entirely different way at only 29 years old.
While I am eternally grateful for the exceptional care provided by the medical professionals at NYP/Columbia University, the financial burden incurred as a result of my extensive medical treatment has become overwhelming. I was initially presented with a 2.3 million dollar debt (I’m without any health insurance) but the hospital narrowed it down with charity care, financial aids, to my final bill of $29,574.07. My cardiologist wants to put me on antidepressants, considering the lengthy amount of time I was the hospital, and my current situation I’m facing but I remain hopeful. Despite my best efforts, I find myself unable to meet the expenses tied to my hospitalization and care.
Today, I reach out to you to plea with humility, and for understanding as I request assistance with this financial hardship that I am unable to pay. I am seeking your compassion for financial relief for my outstanding medical bills.
Your understanding and support during this challenging time would mean the world to me and my family.
I cry everyday day with gratitude because I am alive, but not knowing what’s to come next is one of the hardest things I keep thinking about during my recovery phase.
To all the nurses and amazing surgeons who cared for me at NYP/Columbia University, thank you so much, you are my heroes and I am forever thankful for the gift of life they gave me again.
Thank you for taking the time to consider my request. I remain hopeful, and am forever grateful for everything.
Sincerely,
A survivor that received a second opportunity at life.
