Hi everyone,

My name is Tara Serkez and I never imagined I would be in a position where I’d need to ask for help like this — but right now I truly need my community.

A little over a year ago I went into ventricular tachycardia, a life-threatening heart rhythm that happened suddenly and without warning. It quickly became an emergency situation, and I had to have an emergency pacemaker/defibrillator (ICD) implanted to save my life. While I am grateful to be alive, this has led to additional complications and ongoing health issues.

The hardest part is that doctors still do not know what is wrong with my heart, and my condition has continued to worsen. I now have a failing left ventricle and have been placed on the heart transplant list. Every day feels uncertain, and my focus has had to shift completely to staying alive, making it to appointments, and doing everything possible to remain stable while waiting for answers — and ultimately a transplant.

Because of this, I have been unable to work, and the medical expenses have become overwhelming. Between hospital stays, procedures, medications, specialist appointments, and ongoing care, the bills continue to grow.

Through all of this, my wonderful husband Steve has been doing everything he can to hold our lives together. He has been working overtime to do his part and keep us afloat — and I’m beyond grateful for him — but despite his efforts, we are still struggling under the weight of mounting medical bills and everyday expenses.

I’m raising $15,000 to help cover:

Medical bills and hospital expenses

Medications and ongoing treatments

Travel costs to appointments and specialists

Basic living expenses while I’m unable to work

If you are able to donate, even a small amount, it would mean more than I can put into words. If you can’t donate, I completely understand — but sharing this fundraiser would help just as much.

Thank you for taking the time to read this, for your kindness, and for any support you can offer during this incredibly difficult time. I’m doing everything I can to keep fighting, and I’m so grateful to have people in my corner.

With love and gratitude,

Tara