Support Phillip's Fight for a New Heart

Hi, I’m Sheila, Phillip’s sister and on behalf of Phillip and his family I am sharing his story. The short version is Phil is 44 years old and has a genetic heart disease that has caused his heart to fail and he needs a heart transplant NOW. That is the super short version, the full story is below, please read and share his story. Donate if you can. Funds will help his family with things such as; medical bills, their monthly expenses, gas, groceries, and more while Phillip and cannot work and allow Amy to take time away from work to care for Phil once he is home..

Phil was diagnosed at the age of 35 with Non-Ischemic Cardiomyopathy. He was found to have a genetic mutation on the Titin gene (TTN). This mutation has led to a cardiomyopathy where the chambers of his heart become enlarged and very weak. The presence of the weak and enlarged heart muscles has caused his heart to fail. Since 2015, he has been on medications to manage the heart failure, helping the heart pump more efficiently. He had been doing quite well managing his heart failure up until recently when he had a viral illness that led to worsening shortness of breath. They tried to manage at home with medication adjustments, however his lab work revealed that his heart was having trouble compensating. He was advised to be admitted by his heart failure team on Wednesday, January 29. It had become apparent early on in the admission that his team was worried about him.

The transplant evaluation process began quickly, and on February 7th his team placed an Impella pump to help his heart pump. That same day he was officially listed on the transplant list. While on the Impella, Phil needs to remain in the ICU which means he will be there until his heart transplant. It has been a rollercoaster ride with more bumps than we had hoped. As I write this today, he has been on the list for 10 days and things are beginning to stabilize with his Impella pump. His team is hopeful that he will start to feel better this week, so he can gain strength while waiting the the gift of a new heart.

Phil is 44, married to his high school sweetheart Amy and together they have three beautiful kids, Rowan, Claire, and Annabelle and of course, I should mention his fur baby Avery. Through all of this Phil, his wife Amy, and their 3 kids have felt the love and support of their community. Neighbors have brought food, watched the kids, sent cards, and delivered coffee to Amy. Their work friends have rallied around them, letting them know they can count on them for support. Family and friends have surrounded them and offered care and support however is needed. These things are priceless acts of love and compassion, which mean the world to them and us, Phil's family.

Phil has a long road ahead and there are many unknowns. Not stressing about finances is one way to help lessen the load. Donate if you can and please, share his story with your friends.

February is Heart Health Month, please take care of your heart.

Love,

Sheila

(The big bossy sister who loves her brother more than words can say.)