Fighting for My Life After Two Open-Heart Surgeries

My name is Kyle Matlock. I’m a husband, a Systems Administrator, a gamer, Lego builder, and someone who has always valued health and staying active. I never imagined that one ordinary night would turn my entire world upside down.

On April 14th, as I was getting ready for bed, I was hit with a pain so severe it felt like my chest was tearing apart. My wife’s quick instincts saved me, she called 911, and within hours I was in surgery for an 11-hour fight for my life.

Doctors discovered an Aortic Dissection, a deadly tear in the main artery leaving my heart. They grafted a vein from my leg and placed an artificial root just to keep me alive. I spent 12 days in the hospital, fighting through tubes, restraints, and fear.

I thought the worst was behind me, but just five weeks later, the nightmare returned. Chest pain sent me rushing back to the ER. Tests revealed the graft was leaking. I needed another open-heart surgery. Starting over. Again.

The Hidden Battle: Recovery vs. Survival

Two open-heart surgeries in such a short time have taken everything out of me.

- Physically, I’m rebuilding my strength step by step.

- Emotionally, I’m fighting fear and trauma every day.

- Financially, we are drowning.

My wife, my rock and full-time caregiver, had to quit her job to take care of me. State Disability Insurance barely scratches the surface of our bills. Credit cards are the only thing keeping the lights on, but now the debt feels impossible to climb out of.

We’ve always been independent, but now… we can’t do this alone.

Why I Need Your Help

Your donation will go directly toward:

- Covering mounting medical bills from two life-saving surgeries

- Paying down debt that has spiraled while I recover

- Supporting basic living expenses while my wife cares for me full-time

Every dollar you give is not just financial help, it’s a lifeline that gives me space to focus on healing, not just surviving.

How You Can Make a Difference

Please, if you’re able, consider donating. No amount is too small truly, $5 means as much as $500 because it shows that someone cares enough to stand with us.

If you can’t donate, sharing this campaign can have just as much impact by helping us reach others who can.

I am beyond grateful to be alive, to still have time with my wife, family, and friends. With your support, I can continue this fight and build a future beyond survival.

From the bottom of my (repaired) heart thank you