On May 30th, Ron, my husband experienced a severe heart attack. He was first taken to Wayne and transferred to Vidant cardiac ICU. He was intubated almost immediately and had a stent placed the next day. Two nights later his heart went into Afib and he was cardioverted. We spent several days in the ICU removing fluid and praying that he would regain heart function. He was transferred to the intermediate floor for what we thought was recovery. He was discharged on June 8th and experienced a horrible night due to the weakness and shortness of breath. We took him back to Vidant the next day and unfortunately realized that his heart was not regaining function and that he had experienced injury to his kidneys. They placed him on medications to help his heart relax. On 6/12 he began experiencing chest pain again and was taken back for an emergency cath where they placed a balloon pump. It was at this time that we were told that his heart muscle would most likely not recover or gain the function that he needs and that he would need an LVAD. The LVAD is a mechanical device that is attatched to the heart to assist the left ventricle in delivering oxygenated blood throughout the body.


This surgery is very invasive. He was transferred to Duke that night as we are pressed for time to have this procedure. Ron has been putting up such a tremendous fight to make it through this and the past 2 1/2 weeks. He is still facing obstacles since he has arrived to Duke but we are praying that he will continue to fight through to this procedure.



Ron is a loving husband, father, and grandfather. He spends most days helping raise our 9 year old grandson and enjoys motorcycles, boats, old time tunes, and spending time at Pleasant Grove Church with his family.


We wouldn’t normally ask for help but after 2 weeks back and forth to Vidant and now being at Duke (an hour and 40 minutes from home), we are having to make several trips. It has been almost impossible for my daughter and I to make it to work with as sick as Ron has been. This journey with the LVAD will take 4 weeks or more for recovery at the hospital along with follow up care afterwards. There comes a great cost with all of this as medical bills are mounding , gas, parking fees , hotel fees, and food. We are very fortunate to have FMLA and medical insurance but that also comes with a cost. FMLA is without pay and does not cover my insurance premiums.

We would very much appreciate any donation and prayers to help us get through this while we are staying with Ron in Durham. We would like to thank our church Pleasant Grove Free Will Baptist and our friends and family for all the support and prayers.

Ron’s faith is strong and he has been such a strong fighter through the last 2 1/2 weeks. He is still continuing to fight his way to the LVAD. He is adored and loved by all of his family and we are praying every minute that the Lord will provide him with strength and protection throughout this.


Psalm 91:9-10, 14-16: Because thou hast made the Lord, which is my refuge, even the most High, thy habitation; there shall no evil befall thee, neither shall any plague come nigh thy dwelling. Because he hath set his love upon me, therefore will I deliver him: I will set him on high, because he hath known my name. He shall call upon me, and I will answer him: I will be with him in trouble; I will deliver him, and honour him. With long life will I satisfy him, and show him my salvation.