After years of struggling with serious heart issues, Anna Levario was informed 15 months ago that she needed a heart transplant. Unfortunately, other health complications at the time made the possibility of a successful transplant too risky. With no other options, Anna underwent open heart surgery to receive a temporary LVAD pump as an interim step. The recovery for implanting the LVAD pump required a family member to be by Anna’s side 24/7 for 3-4 months. That person was her husband, Gilbert. Gilbert was unable to work during those months while he gave Anna around the clock care. Many family members and friends generously donated at that time to help the Levario family with bills that were obviously piling up while Gilbert was off work, and for that financial help they were beyond grateful.

Thankfully, Anna was well enough to be added to the transplant waitlist a few months ago. At 2 am on Sunday, June 26, 2022 she received the call that a heart match was available for her. After a 12-hour surgery, Anna's new heart was in! She has spent the past three weeks recovering at the hospital, and, despite some early complications, she is expected to be sent home next week. The care she will need is the same as what was required after the LVAD implant. Gilbert will be unable to work for the next several months. To be honest, they do not know how they will be able to keep up with their bills, but the decision between paying their bills and getting Anna a new heart was a no-brainer.

Some of us plan to help with the financial challenges confronting them and wondered if other friends and family members can join us. Gilbert and Anna were so humbled by the assistance they received from friends and family 15 months ago. They were very hesitant to create another Go Fund Me campaign when we brought it up. They are much more comfortable giving than receiving, and it is very difficult to ask for help. But they’re not asking. We are. We’re asking for prayers for Anna’s continued recovery and the chance to live a normal life with a strong and healthy heart, prayers for strength and endurance for Gilbert as her full-time caregiver over the next several months, and positive thoughts and well wishes to be sent their way. And . . . if you are willing and able to donate some funds, that would be awesome! Any amount will help!

Please do whatever you can to help support this amazing family during what is hopefully the last leg of this long and arduous journey to a new heart for Anna! They would do the same for you . . in a heartbeat ❤︎