Judy has had heart issues since her mid-30s. Her heart function has gradually decreased and is now at 8%, which is insufficient to keep her going. She had to quit the job she loved and needed because she was too weak to do it. She has trouble sleeping because of the stress on her lungs from a failed heart. Her husband Ed is traumatized but guardedly optimistic. This literally is a life and death situation. There was nothing more local doctors could do for her, so they referred her to UCSF Medical Center where they suggested putting in a heart pump, an LVAD, which is a fairly new procedure. After much research and thought, they decided to do it! She will be admitted to UCSF on Thursday, September 12, and the surgery will be Tuesday the 17th. She will be in the hospital in San Francisco for 3-5 weeks, and home recovery will be lengthy. Judy and Ed have already incurred many expenses with their many trips to San Francisco… gas, food, parking (expensive in SF!!), and buying furniture and supplies for Judy’s eventual return home. Ed will need to stay in a hotel in San Francisco for the first part of her recovery.

As friends and supporters of Judy and Ed, we are reaching out to friends and family to ask for support. Any donation, no matter how small, will go directly to:

1- Medical expenses not covered by insurance

2- Rehabilitation costs

3- Modifications to her living environment

4- Travel and accommodation expenses

Judy is an incredibly vibrant, loving soul and Ed her staunch supporter, remaining strong, with only intermittent tears when reality hits.

If you feel moved to help Judy in her journey to a full life, we would greatly appreciate it. If you are unable to donate monetarily, we ask that you “share” her story and keep her in your thoughts and prayers. Thank you so much for your kindness, generosity, and support.

With deepest gratitude,

Patty Grimm and friends and Ed Stork