Many of you may already know our dad, Thomas Byrd, but when we say he is the foundation of this family it doesn’t even begin to describe what he means to us. A husband, dad, grandfather, brother, son, plumber, electrician, baker, and an amazing cook – we could go on and on because he really can do just about anything.

Last week, our lives changed forever. Our dad fell suddenly and inexplicably ill on Tuesday, February 1st. By Wednesday afternoon he was placed on life support, and on Thursday doctors alerted us that he would need a heart transplant as soon as possible. As of now, all we can do is wait.

The costs of emergent care, the helicopter ride (that we’re sure he will regret not remembering when he is well enough to hear the story), the extended ICU stay, copays for doctor visits, lifelong medications, and gas to get back and forth to the hospital for appointments are just a few expenses our mom will now endure. Between the expenses and the constant care that our dad will need after he receives the transplant, we are hoping that our friends, family, and community can come together to alleviate some of the financial burden on our mom so she can focus solely on the health and healing of our dad.

If you can help our mom in any way, our family would truly appreciate it.

We would like to adamantly note that we understand if you aren’t able to help in this way, but please keep us, and especially our dad, in your thoughts and prayers.

Thank you.