Support with Caretaker & Travelling Expenses
Donation protected
On June 19th, 2020 my brother Matthew was taken to the hospital and diagnosed with end stage heart failure. He has been undergoing many tests as he waits to see if he is approved for an LVAD pump (to replace the function of the left ventricle), and if he is approved the LVAD will basically keep him alive until he can be put on the heart transplant list.
The LVAD installment will require open heart surgery, and as my mom and dad will be his main caretakers in the recovery process, they will need to be at the hospital as much as possible to learn to care for his pump. Then they will need to take him for weekly appointments until his 6 month post-surgery mark. Then, it will be at least monthly appointments.
My parents have been his advocates and biggest support system from the start, visiting twice a day (the hospital has two different visiting sessions, one in the morning and one in the evening).
The hospital is two hours away - which adds up in travelling expenses.
Not being able to work or pay his own bills, my parents have been supporting Matt financially through this as best they can, while spending an immense amount of money and time on travelling to the hospital every day, twice a day to be with Matthew.
Supporting my brother, travelling to see him so often, having vehicle problems in the process, while trying to still meet their own financial needs has put a financial strain on them.
My parents have always been the first ones in line to help anyone who needed it - whether it was driving a complete stranger to Michigan in a snow storm, to giving you their last dollar - they have always served with no expectations of receiving anything back.
After giving so much, especially lately with my brother being in the hospital and them being there for him every second they can be, it is their time to recieve and have a little bit of help carrying the burden.
If you feel called to donate, your donation will go towards my parents to help with the financial burden such as traveling expenses, preparing their home to be able to care for my brother when he leaves the hospital (he will be staying with my parents so they can help with the recovery from surgery and gain his strength back), and staying afloat during this difficult time.
I know this is a difficult time for everyone due to covid, and if you feel called to donate any amount or share this campaign, please know we don't take it lightly and are so appreciative and grateful.
The LVAD installment will require open heart surgery, and as my mom and dad will be his main caretakers in the recovery process, they will need to be at the hospital as much as possible to learn to care for his pump. Then they will need to take him for weekly appointments until his 6 month post-surgery mark. Then, it will be at least monthly appointments.
My parents have been his advocates and biggest support system from the start, visiting twice a day (the hospital has two different visiting sessions, one in the morning and one in the evening).
The hospital is two hours away - which adds up in travelling expenses.
Not being able to work or pay his own bills, my parents have been supporting Matt financially through this as best they can, while spending an immense amount of money and time on travelling to the hospital every day, twice a day to be with Matthew.
Supporting my brother, travelling to see him so often, having vehicle problems in the process, while trying to still meet their own financial needs has put a financial strain on them.
My parents have always been the first ones in line to help anyone who needed it - whether it was driving a complete stranger to Michigan in a snow storm, to giving you their last dollar - they have always served with no expectations of receiving anything back.
After giving so much, especially lately with my brother being in the hospital and them being there for him every second they can be, it is their time to recieve and have a little bit of help carrying the burden.
If you feel called to donate, your donation will go towards my parents to help with the financial burden such as traveling expenses, preparing their home to be able to care for my brother when he leaves the hospital (he will be staying with my parents so they can help with the recovery from surgery and gain his strength back), and staying afloat during this difficult time.
I know this is a difficult time for everyone due to covid, and if you feel called to donate any amount or share this campaign, please know we don't take it lightly and are so appreciative and grateful.
Organizer and beneficiary
Courtney Smith
Organizer
Culver, IN
Christopher Smith
Beneficiary