A few weeks ago, in what seemed to be a passing message in my family group chat, my mom, Kim Opsitos, mentioned that my dad, Matt Opsitos, had been having a tough time recently due to dealing with what they thought was a stomach ulcer. He was having pain in his stomach and lower sternum and would have "attacks" of more severe pain that brought on many sleepless nights.

After taking OTC medication with only worsening symptoms, my dad went to an Urgent Care on Tuesday, May 28th. After getting an EKG there he was immediately sent to the ER as the EKG showed signs of a possible heart attack.

At the hospital my dad underwent many blood tests, and another EKG which confirmed that he did indeed have a heart attack. On May 29th the doctors performed a heart catheterization procedure and what they found shocked my entire family. One of the main arteries in his heart, the Left Anterior Descending, was 99% blocked.

The doctors placed a stent to reopen the blood vessel, and after another day in the hospital for recovery he was luckily able to be sent home.

We are so blessed that only one artery was blocked, and that no lasting heart damage was found. We are also incredibly lucky that my dad went to the urgent care when he did. There is no telling what could have happened if he waited even one day more.

The biggest shock from all of this is that my dad is only 54 years old and otherwise perfectly healthy. He practiced martial arts everyday for 15 years and stays active by hiking, taking trips to Alaska, and doing yard work. He eats well as does not even have high cholesterol.

While having my dad home safe and sound is the only thing that matters, the hospital bills from this medical event are significant. My parents are both hard workers at their respective day jobs, but do not have medical insurance. With a trip to the ER, two overnights in the hospital, continuing tests and needs for medication, the costs are daunting to say the least.

It would mean the world to my family if you assist us on the road to his recovery.

We would also like to thank the amazing doctors, staff, and nurses at Allegheny Hospital Wexford for the amazing care and support they provided during my dad's stay.