Support Ken Wilson's Heart Transplant Journey

Help Ken Wilson Fight for His Life — Heart Surgery & Transplant Support

$50,000 Goal | Please share & support if you can

Hello, my name is Ken Wilson, and I’m humbly asking for your help during the most critical health crisis of my life.

A Life-Changing Diagnosis

Shortly after serving in the aftermath of the 9/11 attacks as a member of the New York State Police, I was diagnosed with congestive heart failure in 2002. For years, medication kept things manageable — until about 15 years ago, when I needed my first defibrillator implant. I’m now on my third device, and the disease has progressed beyond what current treatments can handle.

Over the past 11 months, I’ve been hospitalized 12 times. I’ve lost over 50 pounds. Fatigue now prevents me from handling even basic daily tasks. My doctors have done everything they can — and now, we’ve reached the point where a Ventricular Assist Device (VAD) and/or a heart transplant is the only path forward.

Treatment and Challenges Ahead

My surgery and ongoing care will take place at Strong Memorial Hospital in Rochester, NY, which is 3.5 hours from my home in the Albany area — a 7-hour round trip for every appointment, test, and follow-up. These trips are not sustainable financially or physically.

I am currently single and don’t have family support nearby. To receive the care I need, I will need to relocate to Rochester temporarily — securing housing, arranging home care during recovery, and managing the cost of post-surgical medications, which are high even with insurance.

How Funds Will Be Used

Your donations will help with:

Travel & relocation expenses to Rochester

Temporary housing during treatment

Home care assistance during recovery

Medications not fully covered by insurance

Other unforeseen medical and living costs

A Life Spent Helping Others

I’ve spent most of my life in service to others — as a military veteran and a proud member of the New York State Police. Asking for help doesn’t come easy to me, but I know I can’t walk this path alone.

Any amount you can give — or simply sharing this with your friends and community — will help more than you know. Every dollar brings me closer to the care I need to stay alive.

Thank you from the bottom of my heart. ❤️

— Ken Wilson