Support Stephanie's Heart Transplant Journey

As most of you know Stephanie has had heart issues for many years. The root cause of her heart issues stems from side effects from the chemo drug she was administered during her fight with cancer as a child. She was diagnosed with congestive heart failure in 2010 at the Mayo Clinic in Phoenix. In March 2023, her doctor wanted to re-evaluate her for a heart transplant. She had twice been evaluated and did not qualify. Being evaluated again was a big shock as she was feeling she was doing really well. This most recent evaluation placed her as a Status 6 on the heart transplant list in early August.

On September 1, she felt some heart palpitations after a neighborhood bike ride with Justin. This wasn't unusual, but she used her smartwatch to do an EKG and it showed A Fib. After some time (and not so great experiences and results) at two ERs in Las Vegas, Stephanie was transferred to the Mayo Clinic in Phoenix. The care by the doctors and nurses at the Mayo Clinic is extraordinary. However, the treatments did not get her out of A Fib and saw other signs pointing to more aggressive action. On September 10, Stephanie had a procedure to insert a manual pump to help her heart (balloon pump). The days since this pump was put in have been difficult. Now, Stephanie is required to lay flat in bed and remain in the ICU until a new heart is found for her. She is now at Status 2 on the heart transplant list. Stephanie remains in good spirits and pain is being managed as best it can.

Many have asked how they can help. Primarily, you can help by praying. God hears our prayers (1 John 5:14). Pray for Stephanie's new heart. Pray for expediency. Pray for the doctors, nurses, and other caregivers at the Mayo Clinic. Pray for the family whose loved one will pass and donate their heart to Stephanie.

Stephanie and Justin have received many requests as to how you can help or how to donate. They are grateful for your thoughtfulness, love, friendship, and prayers. They had planned in advance for a heart transplant. However, they hadn't planned for Stephanie to be in ICU for weeks prior to a heart becoming available. God has blessed Stephanie and Justin in many ways. If you feel led to bless them further your donation will help cover the many necessary expenses - including housing, food, transportation, and medical costs. In the event there is money left over, they will donate that to others in need.

In this time of need, Stephanie is thinking about Matthew 10:29-31, which says, "Are not two sparrows sold for a penny? Yet not one of them will fall to the ground outside your Father’s care. And even the very hairs of your head are all numbered. So don’t be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows."